30 November 2009

2 minute read

North America

For the week ending 7 November, imports of Canadian feeder cattle into the US, were reported to be just 2,783 head, 68 per cent lower than the same week a year ago and 81 per cent lower than in 2007, reports Meat and News Daily.

Year to date imports of Canadian feeder cattle are sharply lower compared to both 2008 and 2007. For the year, Canadian feeder cattle imports are down 53 per cent compared to a year ago and 35 per cent lower than in 2007.

Given the weak demand in the US market and the reduction in cattle placements, it is understandable that US feedlots will import fewer cattle than normal. Also, a very strong Canadian currency is a disincentive to shipping product to the US. Nevertheless, the reduction in shipments of Canadian feeder cattle began last year and continued through the spring, a time when the US dollar was actually quite strong. As for slaughter cattle from Canada, the numbers are also down, although not as significantly as for feeders.

For the last reported week, imports of Canadian slaughter steers and heifers were 11,193 head, down three per cent from a year ago and 50 per cent lower than in 2007. Year to date imports of Canadian slaughter fed cattle are down 23 per cent from a year ago and 35 per cent from 2007.

As for slaughter cow imports, volume actually is up, which reflects in part the fact that cow slaughter capacity is a bit more limited in Canada (more fed cattle now are slaughtered there). Year to date imports of Canadian slaughter cows are up three per cent on year ago levels. Finally, year to date imports of feeder cattle from Mexico are up 41 per cent on year ago levels, a result of the weak peso but also very weak Mexican domestic beef demand.

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