Canada: More sows, fewer cows predicted for next year

A report issued in September by the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts the Canadian cattle and hog herds to contract as 2022 begins. The report from the Foreign Agricultural Service says the 2021 drought means a smaller calf crop next year as more heifers and cows go to slaughter. However, it also notes that improved reproduction rates will mitigate that somewhat. “Feedlot expansion in western Canada, coupled with a reduced calf crop, will continue to support imports of U.S. feeder cattle,” the document says. “However, a contracting U.S. cattle herd will see live imports remain stable on 2021 numbers.” Production in 2022 is expected to decline by one percent partly on lower carcass weights. Exports will be supported by strong local demand for protein. The report also said an expected drop in Canadian beef demand will reduce imports over 2021. The report estimates the total herd, including dairy and imports, at 15.9 million head in 2021, dropping to 15.7 million head. On the ...