Bred cows

[T.N.T.]

I would really doubt that calf prices would go down,if they do go down then you will really see the cows head for slaughter.To many guys have lost so much money the last 7 years,that 1 good year won't change there mind to stay in cows.I for one don't understand why everyone thinks that this years calf price is so great,compare it to how everything else we buy has gone up in price.We aren't even close to keeping up with inflation.

[ASRG]

If a person could see some stability in any market, whether beef or grain or whatever, you could plan for it? Normally beef cows would look like a fairly good bet right now? Supply and demand should be in effect. Less cows should mean higher prices.
However, FS posted something a while back on the coming new free trade agreement with Columbia? If prices get too high here (or remain at the present price) will that beef enter our market? If I recall correctly, Columbia has 23 million cows and a very low cost structure. I realize the beef quality might not be that great but it could displace a lot of hamburger and manufacturing beef.
Everyone has different circumstances and desires on how they want to live? Without a doubt there are a lot of older producers eager to exit the industry. Are there enough younger people willing to enter the industry?

[littledoggie]

There should be a clause in all FTA's that prevents entry of products produced at a lower standard than what is produced in Canada. If not, then maybe we should push for a COOL Canada.

[smcgrath76]

devil's advocate here - We often lump
producing nation's into a "standard of
production" category, yet I suspect that
there are many producers in third world
countries that could give many of us in
first world countries a run for our
money as far as productivity and quality
of product are concerned. Conversely we
also have some first world producers who
should probably be somewhat ashamed of
the product they produce.
I know there is a risk to FTA's as we
often have the perception that the cost
of production in other countries is much
lower than here, but there is a HUGE
range in cost structures in Canada and
within specific ecoregions (eg: prairie
producers). I know several producers
who would be cost competitive with
Brazil and lots more who wouldn't.
I also prefer "marketing" approach as
opposed to the shutting out approach of
COOL. In other words, I am all for
branding a product as produced in
Canada, but only if it allows us to
extract more value out of the
marketplace, rather than preventing a
competing product from entering.

[littledoggie]

You're so right smcgrath. My choice of words was perhaps a bit over reactive. I also believe that "marketing" is a better approach than "shutting out". But I do feel threatened by imports. Can/will "Product of Canada" remain competetive? How many more "standards" are we as producers going to have to implement on farm to remain in the game? The government acts on our behalf by implementing FTAs, but also against us by making us less competetive through over-regulation. Because of BSE? Is this the price we have to pay to remain in the game?