Is Now the Time to Put Cattle on Feed?

 

A question was asked a couple of weeks ago concerning if now was a good time to put cattle in the feedlot. This is a question that should be asked frequently, because it is a difficult question to answer with a general statement.

 

The most general statement to answer this question would be to send cattle to the feedlot if one thinks feeder cattle are seriously undervalued and finished cattle prices are expected to increase. The alternative is also true. If feeder cattle appear to be overvalued and there does not appear to be any upside potential in the finished cattle market then the cattle should be sold as feeders.

 

These scenarios may seem obvious, but many times the answer to this question is not obvious. It generally takes pen and paper to run the math if feeding cattle is going to be profitable or not. This still does not provide a guarantee, but knowing there is a chance at a profit at least provides an opportunity to make a decision. Another factor that plays into the decision is how efficient the cattle are and how they are expected to grade.

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.