High live cattle prices AND Challenges in the livestock sector

Live cattle prices are at their highest point in eight years. Brenna Grant, the executive director of Canfax in Calgary, says the first quarter of 2023 has been a good one for both cow/calf producers and feedlots.A smaller supply of live cattle in North America has forced processors to pay more for feeder cattle and slaughter cows.Brenna will discuss prospects for the rest of the year. The aging demographic of producers may be the most significant issue facing the future of the livestock sector . . . but is only one of several areas of concern. Other challenges include providing access to capital for younger producers, improving business risk management programs and preventing the ongoing conversion of pastures into cropland. Suggestions include paying livestock producers for storing carbon in the soil as well as providing a habitat for birds and wildlife.Representatives from cattle, sheep and bison organizations participated in a Livestock Summit sponsored by the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan.   Cattle producer Levi Hull shares his thoughts on the future of the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.