Reading Time: 3 minutes We are putting out this week’s forecast a day earlier than usual, as the weather models now have a good handle on the predicted Colorado low and how it will impact the Prairies starting Tuesday. Here is what the weather models are predicting.
Prairie forecast: Effects of Colorado low to bring widespread precipitation
Forecast issued April 16, covering April 16 to 25, 2024
Klassen: Adverse weather weighs on Western Canadian feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes Southern Alberta has received over 200 percent of normal precipitation over the past 30 days. Pen conditions are rated poor to very poor in the main feeding pockets of Alberta. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have received less than 40 per cent of normal while Central Alberta has normal to below normal precipitation.
Alberta gets farm family class one driver’s license
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta farmers and their family members now have the option to apply for a farm-restricted class one driver’s licence. It would allow them to drive almost any form of motor vehicle to and from the farm. These licenses with be issued with condition code “P” meaning the driver must comply with farmer restrictions. Applicants must […] Read more
Feed Grain Weekly: Seeding preparations begin in Alberta
Reading Time: 2 minutes As growers prepare to seed in parts of Alberta, the lack of moisture during the winter continues to be a concern. However, a major snowstorm which brought various amounts of precipitation to the central part of the province has relieved some stress.
Prairie forecast: Spring has sprung but winter might not be done
Forecast issued April 10, 2024, covering April 10 to 17
Reading Time: 4 minutes Spring has definitely sprung across the prairies with only a few locations still having snow cover. Spring is a notorious time for forecasting as warm air builds to the south while cold air still sits to the north. That means this forecast period looks both easy and hard.
Klassen: Buyers step back on feeder cattle due to bird flu
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $4-$8/cwt lower while some packages of heavier replacements dropped as much as $12/cwt, and three main factors led to weaker prices.
Prairie forecast: Cooler and unsettled west, mild and dry east
Forecast issued April 3, covering April 3 to 10
Reading Time: 3 minutes In a nutshell, it looks like Saskatchewan and Manitoba will see dry weather and nice, warm, spring temperatures. Alberta is going to have to deal with colder air being drawn southwards into the developing storm system over the south-central U.S. Along with the colder air, southern Alberta may deal with some more snow as moisture is pulled northward and then westward on the eastern side of the low.
Klassen: Feeder market resumes the climb
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending March 30, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $4 to $6 higher on average. Fleshier backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. Buyers were fairly cautious on backgrounded heifers with some packages actually softer than seven days earlier. Larger strings of quality genetic, low flesh steers were up $6 to as much as $10 in some cases. Weaned, premium, calves were up a solid $5 to $6 on average.
Feed Grain Weekly: Barley prices up weeks before seeding
Reading Time: 2 minutes Southern Alberta is seeing a slight bump up in feed barley prices, according to one trader.
Prairie forecast: Spring trying to regain control
Forecast issued March 27, covering March 27 to April 3, 2024
Reading Time: < 1 minute The main weather maker will be a trough of low pressure forecasted to develop over the northwestern U.S. today, which will then track eastwards over the next several days.
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
