Whats the deal?

[cottonpicken]

Can somebody explain to me our overseas livestock markets.

Do we export alot?

If not why not?

Aparantly feeder cattle just hit a twelve month low.YIKES!

[Hopperbin]

I am not too much into livestock but I hear that there is a feed ingredient that is stopping canadian exports of pork to China at the momment. Would it not make sense to feed the hogs here and export the meat? I would think our feed grain is still cheaper than in China where they are purchasing american soybeans. China is a huge unfair trader in my opinion.

[charliep]

Canada exports about 50 % of our cattle and hogs either live or as meat. Most is to the US. Still lots of reminents of BSE/restrictions on beef in off shore markets although slowly getting dealt with.

Suspect you are looking at Canadian auctions for your comment on price. The high valued loonie is taking its toll on local prices - particularly for cattle guys who normally sell in the fall but have been backgrounding into the winter. Lee and I both heard this comment from a colleague in our monthly meeting this am.

Lots of calves moving south. It is much easier to send an 800 lb calf sound/feed US corn versus import 2 plus a bit tonnes of corn into Canada/feed here.

[cottonpicken]

I'm just watching the pork and beef charts and they are at extremely critical levels.

I would bet that at some point some big money will come in and start buying but its going to be a roller coaster ride.