Alberta farmer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2008
- Messages
- 376
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In Alberta we've got a pretty negative market for our cattle. I think the same thing could be said for most of North America? Not sure about everyones numbers but I doubt any cattle producer is making money?
In Alberta we have some things going for us...and lots going against us!
We do have a very vibrant economy which is a help in that a lot of oil/gas money finds its way into the rural community. It also creates problems but probably is a plus. We also have a provincial government that tries to support and promote agriculture. Our federal government is pretty much useles!
Of course being in the darned artic presents a lot of challenge as we get about 120 frost free days out of the year...not much time for crops or grass to grow.
In 1992 we sold our big steer calves for $1.22/lb. Today the same calves are about .98 cents. In the meantime fuel has more than doubled, fertilizer up at least 300%, equipment costs at least 200%. Land taxes about double. Now if the darned calves had only doubled...$2.44/lb.! I think I could live with that!
A lot of old time cow herds are being dispersed up here. Part of the problem is the producers have just got too old and wore out with no new blood coming in, and partly people have just run out of money. How about other areas? How do you see this playing out?
In Alberta we have some things going for us...and lots going against us!
We do have a very vibrant economy which is a help in that a lot of oil/gas money finds its way into the rural community. It also creates problems but probably is a plus. We also have a provincial government that tries to support and promote agriculture. Our federal government is pretty much useles!
Of course being in the darned artic presents a lot of challenge as we get about 120 frost free days out of the year...not much time for crops or grass to grow.
In 1992 we sold our big steer calves for $1.22/lb. Today the same calves are about .98 cents. In the meantime fuel has more than doubled, fertilizer up at least 300%, equipment costs at least 200%. Land taxes about double. Now if the darned calves had only doubled...$2.44/lb.! I think I could live with that!
A lot of old time cow herds are being dispersed up here. Part of the problem is the producers have just got too old and wore out with no new blood coming in, and partly people have just run out of money. How about other areas? How do you see this playing out?