Innisfail cow sale

[kato]

ASRG, your take on it is common among those of us who've lived through the roller coaster ride since 2003. I have lost count of the number of things that "would never happen" that actually did happen. As far as I can see, there are lots of things that could come up and blow it all to pieces, but who really knows the future. Maybe the something that "would never happen" this time is that things will get better and even improve. Wouldn't that be nice? Hard to believe, but nice.

I can see prices getting some higher, but they won't come without a lot of sleepless nights.

[SADIE]

Had to create some discussion on this Sunday. The bottom line to me is I want to continue to make use of my land whether it be "grains" or "livestock".
In the last few years land in this area has jumped "leaps and bounds"----will it stay up? could it fall? To me the best Mutual fund I could have invested in.

I believe some of us are in the same "age boat"----late 50s. I am not ready to "retire" yet.

Do you sit and wait for down prices, do you do the management thing and keep your cow-herd current? Bring in a few breds (young) and cull the "olds".

I could be 5-6 years away from having my own complete cow-herd dispersal sale.
My operation is to keep sourcing "bred heifers" ---that way I know my herd is current and has some youth to it.

I guess there is the feeling of "getting up in the morning, breathing fresh air and going outside and doing something that is your own on your own land, own property.

I always liked calving season anyway.

The grain side expansion is scary to me looking at the huge machinery expense to keep expanding in that direction

[ALLFARMER]

rsomer

Good to see you back!

Glad to see this beef page following bred cattle
sales closely this winter.

[grassfarmer]

What are you talking about ASRG? these are the tough western cowboys you're talking too that don't want Government involvement or money. You mean cowboys lie awake at night sweating over whether their Government will back them up? Another Alberta illusion shattered for me!

[ALLFARMER]

I completely agree with your take on the grain
sector Sadie. It's big money to be a grain farmer
now. My neighbor just this fall bought a 350k
case 500hp quadtrac now ordered a 400k
Bourgault drill. One of the partners just bought 3
partial farmable quarters for 500k.

[grassfarmer]

Straight Simmental dispersal in Rimbey last Friday (not papered but essentially purebred cattle). Sale report shows bred cows $1300 to $2200, Bred heifers $1675 to $2000. They would be considered a reputation herd as they sold some bulls every year at good prices. Still quite expensive cows to go into a commercial operation IMHO.

[ASRG]

grassfarmer: I never considered myself a cowboy. Don't like horses or cowboy hats! I'm a farmer and a small c conservative.
The government has a job taking care of trade and health and safety issues...that's what we pay them to do...and they weren't doing their job?
My cows were doing their job and I think I was trying to do my job. I never fed my cows any other cows! I fed them only things the government had deemed safe like mineral and vitamins....and yet I had to take the hit for a government mistake?
I never imported any cattle from countries that had BSE? The government knew that was a high risk but they rolled the dice anyway? I shouldn't have to pay for their risky behavior!
Let's be very clear here? The various beurocrats and politicians never suffered any pain for their bungling......you and I did....we paid the price?
If they had done the right thing and made it right with us, I might have a little more faith in them. The fact is they haven't and continue to avoid their responsibility by fighting the BSE lawsuit?
I'm not just sure where I read it, but apparently all the safeguards that were put in place to keep foot and mouth out of Canada have been removed(again risky government decisions) and it is probably just a matter of time until we get FMD. Will the government be there? Will they be acting responsibly for the actions they have taken? NO THEY WON"T! They have already shown they won't do their job in the BSE mess! That is why I am leery of this "new" cattle bonanza.

[ALLFARMER]

Ya no cowboy here also. 50% of all farm
accidents a year in Alberta are horse related.