Reading Time: 2 minutes The second heatwave of the summer appears to be establishing itself across the Prairies. This heatwave looks to last the whole forecast period as a strong upper ridge builds over central North America. Intense heat will stretch from the southern U.S. to the Arctic ocean.
Prairie forecast: Prolonged heatwave expected
Forecast issued July 17, covering July 17 to 24, 2024
Alberta crop conditions steady at 74 per cent good-to-excellent
Reading Time: < 1 minute Warm temperatures helped keep crop conditions well above average in Alberta during the week ended July 9, although heat stress could become a concern without cooler temperatures and more precipitation in the weeks ahead, according to the latest provincial crop report.
Prairie forecast: More typical summer weather
Forecast issued July 10, covering July 10 to 17, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes For this forecast period, it looks like the upper ridge will slowly flatten and drop southwards as a series of weak lows track across the northern Prairies. This will result in a reduction in the extreme temperatures. Daytime highs and overnight lows should fall back to more seasonable values.
Klassen: Buyers tasting feeder cattle prices for fall run
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.
Alberta crops doing quite well
Reading Time: 2 minutes Crops throughout Alberta stood at 75 per cent good to excellent as of July 2, according to the latest crop report from the provincial agriculture department. That was eight points above the five-year average despite cooler than normal temperatures and delayed crop development due to excessive rain for most of the province so far this year.
Prairie forecast: A switch in the weather pattern?
Forecast issued July 3, covering July 3 to 10, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes Over the last couple weeks, I've been asked repeatedly, “when will summer actually get here?” This is especially true over the eastern Prairies. It just doesn't and hasn’t felt like summer yet. Well, it looks like the cool, unsettled weather pattern will be breaking down during this forecast period. This will allow much more summer-like temperature to move in.
Klassen: Light volumes characterize feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending June 29, Western Canadian yearling and calf markets were unchanged from seven days earlier. Many auction barns are in holiday mode and volumes were light, making the market hard to define. Late blooming stragglers and off grade calves were common.
Prairie forecast: A slow slide into summer
Forecast issued June 26, covering June 26 to July 3, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes For a change, this forecast period starts of with weak high pressure in place across the Prairies. This brings a mix of sun and clouds and near-average temperatures. Any below-average temperatures are the thanks to the return flow behind the strong area of low pressure which, as predicted, tracked across the central and northern Prairies and brought all sorts of severe weather earlier this week.
Klassen: Canadian heifer retention tightening feeder supply
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta and Saskatchewan heifer placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels. Comments from ranchers and order buyers suggest that Western Canadian ranchers are holding back on heifers to expand the herd. This usually results in a narrowing of the steer/heifer spread.
Alberta Crop Report: Variable weather fails to dispel crop growth
Reading Time: 2 minutes Crop conditions across the province were rated at 72.9 per cent good to excellent, better than the five-year average of 68.8 per cent and the 10-year average of 70.2 per cent. The central region had the best rating at 78.2 per cent, followed by the Peace region at 75.7 per cent and the south region at 73.9 per cent, all above both historical averages. The northeast region was at 70 per cent, below its averages, while the northwest was in line with its average at 61.8 per cent.
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
