time for a change

[grassfarmer]

Bez, pleased to see Ontario is getting organised and trying to achieve something. I wouldn't hold your breath for it to happen in Alberta anytime soon. Despite bleating of hardship it's clear to me that there are a huge number of people not greatly bothered by the current crisis. Around here (Central Alberta)there are not many full working time in agriculture - off farm jobs in the oil patch are the norm. Between them and the huge number of older producers who are age to retire but chose instead to "run a few critters" there isn't much protest. And it seems to me that this area has been the hotbed of protest throughout this crisis - relatively big turnouts at ABP meetings, BIG-C meetings, NFU rallies, protests to a Bob Spellar meeting, rallies to the Legislature in Edmonton.
Sad truth is in this most "radical" cow-calf area of Alberta we probably have around 20 active people who think beyond the farm gate and try to get something happening. Apart from that producers in the Province seems to be quite relaxed - laid back,perhaps, as befitting their cowboy image and their unshakeable faith in the thing they call the Albert Advantage - even when it clearly isn't working.
I can't see Alberta producers doing anything as "socialist" as working with other producers to achieve better returns for all.

[JD6320]

Joe-2
Historically prices have always been higher in Ontario,this is were the end market is. Your prices are always biased to the distance to markets.

[Joe-2]

JD6320, Ya I realize that prices have been historicly higher in Ont. and you are right about market proximity ,
etc.
I would invite you to look here,
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/markets/livestock/

and check out the archives feature and compare Alta. and Ont. prices.
For example, May 16 2003,grade A 1000 lb steers topped at $109 in Alberta, and at $1.18 in Ontario.A difference of 9 cents/lb.
March 04 2005, these same steers topped at 90 cents in Ab. and at $1.20 in Ontario.A difference of 30 cents/lb.
Don't take my word for it!!! Check it out yourself.You can punch in whatever dates you like!!!!

FREE THE WEST!!!!!!

[JD6320]

Joe-2
I think a better measurement is to look at the weighted average for price comparison, all it takes is few head to be sold for 1.20 to be recorded as such as in the feeder list some went for .48, not really a valid comparison.

[Joe-2]

JD6320, Did you look at the site, and or the archives??? If you did you will have noticed that it gives the price RANGE!!! IE- $0.80 to $1.20
No need for weighted averages when you are comparing top end to top end.

[JD6320]

Joe-2
Yes Ilooked at the site, The weighted average gives a more realistic view of what producers are receiving, the weighted average for Ont on large frame choice was 92.75 for that same week with a top of 1.20,remember all it takes is one animal at 1.20 to sell to be recorded as such.What was the average price for western fats in the same catagory?

[rmhay]

I also agree it's time for a change. We as producers across this country need to make some noise, pressure our politicians as much as possible, and take control of our industry. Support new producer-controlled packers. How about some border protests? Inform people heading south to not spend in the U.S. and encourage northbound Americans to go home. In areas where beef production is not as large as in southern Alberta, we need to become more visible to consumers. Another thing, stay out of Wal-Mart. Sure the prices are attractive, but all the proceeds head south. I would like some comment, and any suggestions on other ways to "get Active"

[perfecho]

I agree with Bez, we are to blame. We could have the control if we wanted, as we have the cattle....can you beleive it...we have the acutal product that everyone else makes a living on..we can hold it back...shoot it...whatever! But no, we usually take it to an auction and let it go for what ever someone decides to pay for it....below cost, whatever. Great business plan! But hey, lets just wait until it gets better...

[Joe-2]

JD6320, You said,"Yes Ilooked at the site, The weighted average gives a more realistic view of what producers are receiving...."

WRONG!!!! The only true comparison is top end to top end.That is the only way to be sure it is an apples to apples comparison. What difference would it make if only 1 animal sold for that $1.20 or 200 head sold for that? It still shows what the market will pay for top quality.Second rate cattle bring second rate prices wherever they are and always have.
Why is it so hard to admit that cattle prices ain't that bad in the mighty liberal east??? Why all the attempts to spin the numbers???

[Bez]

Well, come back after a road trip and we're still wrangling over the price of cattle. EXACTLY where the buyers want us. Fighting among ourselves.

Angus1 - wanna' floor price - national? I am for it. Want quota? I am for it. Want to take control of the industry? I am for it.

All those who say no to this are either doing far better than most, or are not thinking beyond next week. Or hoping to expand cheaply - maybe at the expense of their neighbour. What about another year or two of what we have now?

To all - Until you are desparate enough, you will do nothing but argue among yorselves. What you NEED to do is point the finger in the right direction.

How many neighbours and friends and family go to Florida, California and Hawaii? How many buy those Yank goods in the store? When was the last time you spoke out against this?

How many trucks of nice cheap, profit making cattle - your cattle - go into the plants every day? You seeing any of that money?

Why are you not out there - giving the customer what HE WANYS - and taking those other off shore markets. Screw the Yanks and their border!

You can bicker all you want, but it causes nothing but hard feelings and allows people like Joe to do what he seems to like best. Stir the pot, but offer absolutely no constructive suggestion other than "Free the west" - something I advocated for years while living in Alberta and Saskatchewan. I have since realized that is NOT the solution that will come in my lifetime.

You wanna' make a difference? Hit them where it hurts. In the wallet. That is the only way - repeat the only way - you will get what you want. Nothing more and nothing less.

There are ways. You just are not desparate enough. Yet. It's coming - you will be.

Bez