Although there's a bit of talk about a feed shortage in Southern Alberta, the auction market doesn't seem to show it.

If producers are short on feed, sometimes you will see an increase in cow-calf pairs being sold, since feed prices can add up during Alberta's long winters.

Rob Bergevin, President and Auctioneer at Foothills Auctioneers Inc. in Stavely, says he doesn't think it's a huge concern.

"Many of the cow dispersals, or things that we're seeing that way, the numbers are no larger than what we've seen in years pasts. I think it's just an age thing, and people deciding to move on and do different things, because they are wanting the retire, but I don't see that being a huge issue at the moment."

There is still feed around, Bergevin says.

"I think that especially in our part of the world, where the ground that's out here is ranch country, so people need to run cattle on those ranches. I think that the value of these calves, and some of the moisture that's in the forecast, is going to create some optimism."

Foothills Auctioneers Inc. feeder sales are on Mondays, and their regular sales are at 9:00 am on Fridays.

For more information, you can visit their website.

 

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