The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is calling on the Canadian provincial and federal governments to investigate the “significant imbalance in cattle and beef pricing markets,” according to a released statement.
SSGA President Garner Deobald said though each industry has its own frustrations, “We agree that price transparency and discovery, packer capacity and pricing spread are our biggest joint concerns.”
The association said drought conditions have impacted forage availability and feed prices, creating a wider availability for cattle ready for slaughter with higher placements in feedlots.
In addition, “There is a disconnect between what producers are receiving for their animals and the high prices consumers are paying for beef products. Producers are feeling exploited,” Deobald said.
The association asked the government to conduct a pricing investigation into packers’ and retailers’ high profits as ranchers and feedlots operate at a loss.
