COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS SOLD AT AGRIBITION REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

[SADIE]

Kato--last contact tonight. I sat on the PFRA advisor for the 4 years to take my turn and learn the rules. I have been off the advisor now for 4 and are being begged to go back on. My term 6-8 years ago applications were tight and any increase---wow you might get a new patron in with 10 head or an increase of a couple per year. During that time talk was a pasture fee increase to make pastures "break even" or "functionally operational". This was when pastures were always maxed out with capacity. Now massive shortages in pastures around Saskatchewan. Why?? Patrons selling out of the business. Like mentioned age, off farm job, switch to grain and really (talk to the people)---They are boycotting the RFID tagging and retagging laws--The regulations. Traceability is a swearword to many and they have just thrown up their hands and saying "BYE BYE COWS".

Now recent Western Producer (Last two weeks)---Ritz talking of selling PFRA'S.

[kato]

Thanks for the info. This might deserve it's own thread.

[ALLFARMER]

Producers may be getting out but cows are
selling In many areas for much more than meat
price.

I figure 2 things are driving high bred cow prices
1) the massive hay yields 2) the current strong
price calf run

This year we personally didn't get a good hay
crop, down 35% So I guess I will wait and hope
guys fill up with bred cattle and the prices come
late January / Feb soften. At least we save feed
from now till then.