As cattle producers across Manitoba get ready for another winter, their situation is looking much better than this time last year.
After the drought in 2021, a feed shortage across the prairies was a big issue, and as the province saw large snowfalls well into the spring, the problem was amplified. However, after a much better growing season this year, Manitoba Beef Producers General Manager Carson Callum says producers are in a better spot.
"Feed supply is looking a lot better, I know there's probably certain inputs that are still challenging to find, or certain minerals, or vet drugs, or things like that that have been sort of a compounding issue over the last couple of years. But in terms of just general feed supplies, a lot better situation that we saw, in particular, related to last winter."
Callum says that just because one issue isn't as bad doesn't mean there are other issues that haven't come up.
"A general issue that is a challenge in many sectors, including the beef sector, is just the cost of inputs. Whether that's sourcing feed or sourcing any sort of input for your operation it's just gone up so drastically. Yes, the commodity price of live cattle has improved, but probably not to the rate we need it to as an industry to remain profitable."
Callum says the cost of production is something that producers are trying to manage, and coming up with other ways to lower the cost of production.
Manitoba Beef Producers is hosting its AGM and Presidents banquet on February 2nd and 3rd, 2022, and they'll be accepting resolutions for consideration until 9 a.m. on Friday, January 27th. You can find more information about the meeting, including how to register and submit a resolution here.
