Cattle prices good here despite drought south of the border

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association (RRCA) held their annual Yearling Sale on Saturday with 1,001 animals being sold at the Stratton Sales Barn.
Kim Jo Bliss, of RRCA, said, “It is a feeder sale but sort of known as our Yearling Sale.” This is evident in the breakdown of animals sold. There were 878 yearlings, 100 cull cows and bulls, 50 calves and 3 sheep sold for a total of $1,033,616.06 in sales!
While there have been reports of US cattlemen dumping animals on the market to account for the expensive feed due to a drought there, Bliss said, “We have not seen any impact here yet. I am thinking that we will see this by the end of the season. The high cost of grain will impact what we do with our cattle first. The high price of grain and corn will play a role on what people will do with their calves. If grain is high, people won’t be feeding calves over the winter, etc.”
Bliss said there have been previous seasons where there has been extra hay so that will likely keep most producers through the season. But the grain/corn for calves cost will determine if similar dumping of animals occurs locally.
The next sale to be held at the Stratton Sales Barn will have a new twist. It will be carried live on the internet on September 29th. Bliss said, “This is the first time we will be doing and internet sale! We did run satellite sales many years ago. It can be very successful. We are hoping to have more buyers bidding without having to travel to the sale.”
It was promoted at this past weekend’s sale and Bliss said there seems to be interest in it already with people already requesting a catalogue. “It is exciting and scary – both!” she said Monday.