Reading Time: 2 minutes The Canadian cattle herd was larger on January 1 than it was one year prior — the first year-over-year increase since 2018, Statistics Canada reported on Friday. Hog inventories were down. Sheep and lamb inventories rose.
Lower slaughter, retained breeding stock supports inventories
Meatpackers want larger herds to bring down cattle prices from record highs
Seasonal weakness, rains pressure barley
Some in the cattle sector don’t think policy should focus on expanding herd; others say fewer cows limit check-off revenue
Buying activity at feedlots continue to be strong
Barley prices to stay put for now: trader
Trade wars could make more room for cereals