By Alex McCuaig

Optimism for cattle producers as 2020 rolls to an end

Dec 19, 2020 | 9:33 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s been a hectic year for cattle industry this year as the global pandemic caused beef processors to reduce production, jamming up feedlots that took heavy losses from livestock they bought but couldn’t move.

But cattle producers themselves have managed to get through the year in decent fashion, says Bassano area rancher Jason Hale.

“Everybody is optimistic,” said Hale. “I went to just about every bred sale – bred cow sale and heifer sale they had in Brooks and, like I said, they sold very well. The good animals sold high so it’s great to see the enthusiasm and optimism in the industry.”

While lingering effects from both the BSE crisis and bovine tuberculosis outbreak are still out there locally, Hale says great weather for pastures after several dry years, low feed prices and a strengthening market are combining for a positive outlook for next year.