Ban Overturned

[15444]

This is similar, but not exact to what they said when the March 7th date was being tossed around. I would phone them to find out the current deal. Regardless, two ideas pop into my mind. First, barring a visit to check the numbers, they won't know if you sold them into the US. Secondly, if prices are worthwhile, I am tempted to sell them into the US market for a premium and pay back the $200/head.


http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/policy/bserp/FeederCattleSetAsideQ&A.htm


Border Opening

Do I still have to hold my calves until January 1, 2006 if the border opens before that date?
When you were accepted to the program, you agreed to hold calves back from slaughter until January 1, 2006 as part of the program's eligibility criteria. You must continue to hold those calves to be in compliance with the program's rules, if you do not you will be required to repay in full, the amount you received from the program. If the decision is made to release calves early from the program if the U.S. border opens, then you will receive a personalized letter from the Ministry authorizing the date of release of your calves.

[GodLovesTheUSA]

I am glad to hear that things might be looking a little more positive for you guys up there. Maybe now you can get back to worrying about things like the weather. This should be better for all of us. You know, Its like this. Some of you Canadians have your gay lovers and some of us Americans have our protectionists. I think that I will stick with the US. -)
Ted

[cowman]

Now I assume that we still have to jump through a bunch of hoops like branding them CAN and only able to ship to a feedlot type of thing? Still this is an important first step?
American buyers have been buying here the last few weeks, which was pushing the prices up. Hopefully Cebul will just give it up and let things unfold like they should?
This whole border problem has not been good for anyone...including the Americans? Sure they had some good prices for two years, but they also changed the attitudes of a whole Canadian industry against them? For those in America: You don't have many friends in the world...should you really be alienating the few you have/had?
The obvious protectionism, scaremongering, and outright lies over BSE will not be forgotten.

[grassfarmer]

It seems Alberta is similar to Ontario - the theory is the scheme will be cancelled if and when cattle actually cross the border. But we are waiting for the Ag minister to say when it is cancelled.
You are an optimist 15444 - thinking cattle will rise by more than $200 a head immediately.I'll believe that when I see it!!

[grassfarmer]

TEAM sale this morning saw trade similar to last weeks averages on Alberta Ag website. Close to 1000 cattle mainly in the 900lb weight region - steers $1.06-$1.085 heifers around the $1 mark.

[grassfarmer]

I was at a function last evening where Minister Horner spoke, he is extremely optimitic about the potential outcome of the July 27th court process.
I have also heard on good authority that Cor Van Raay and Kee Jim have every available liner booked to get cattle moving south as soon as all the details are ironed out which may possibly be next week. Apparently anyone with a number of cattle ready to go south wants them across the border just in case things go sour on the 27th.

[15444]

grassfarmer, I am basing our set-aside on 700-800lb steers that would have fetched .70-.80 this fall or winter without a border opening. If we can sell them into the US for 1.00-1.10, I will be most happy!

We just got a letter from Ontario Ag today, telling us what our general options are with the set-aside animals this fall. They do mention a possible release of the animals from the program if the border opens, so here's hoping they do!

[grassfarmer]

I got $1.086 for 7-8 weights in February - where is the big price leap?
Cattle going into the US will have additional costs added for branding etc. If they stick with the speying heifers rule I don't think many females will be exported anyway.

I'm puzzled by an auctioneers comment on TV tonight that cows and cull bulls jumped 10 cents/ lb overnight. Why? they won't be going anywhere either live or dead presumably so why should they rise in price first? I could understand it if thousands of fats were heading south and freeing up kill spaces. Or are these cows being bought up and put in feedlots in the expectation that they will increase in value. Seems there are plenty speculators about still.

[silverback]

Who in this industry do you suppose still has the cash and ability to speculate like that? Not the average cow/calf guy in my opinion.

[silverback]

I think that the cost of transporting livestock will increase so that will have to be factored into the bottom line. I am pleased that the border is open but hope that folks don't get overly optimistic that things are going to change a lot in a short period of time. I too,heard Blair Vold's comments last night and wondered why cows and bulls were so much stronger but good for the folks that were selling them !