Information and resources for beef producers during market disruptions
Learn how to market and feed your beef animals during periods of market disruptions.
Production and feeding information
Feedlots, finishing and backgrounding
For information on feeding considerations for holding and feeding cattle during market disruptions, visit:
- Holding Finishing Cattle on Feed
- Feeding High-Grain Rations to Feedlot Cattle
- Feed Efficiency in Feedlot Production
- Alternative feeds for beef cattle
- Improving Efficiencies in a Feedlot Feeding Program
- Effect of Weight at Turn-Out to Pasture on Average Daily Gain
Information for cow-calf producers
Before shipping, always consider the health of the animal. Consult with your transporter and your buyer before shipping as markets may change quickly. Holding cull cows for longer than you expected can be done with rations and strategies inspired by regular beef cow wintering rations. More information can be found at:
- Coping with hay shortages in beef cow wintering rations
- Alternative forages and sample wintering rations for beef cows
- Cull cow decision action card
- Cull cow body and carcass composition
Cattle health and welfare
The health and welfare of your cattle is an important consideration during market disruptions. For more information and resources on how to care for your cattle during market disruptions, visit:
- Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle
- Caring for Compromised Cattle in Farm Animal Care Resources
Mental health support
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) recognizes that farmers are under a lot of stress during disruptive events. If you are struggling, reach out to a friend, family or other emotional support. Access to free, professional mental health counselling support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
- Canadian Agricultural Safety Association: Difficult Times: Stress on the Farm
- Mental health resources for farmers
- Farmer Wellness Initiative
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Tools for assessing your farm finances
For information and resources on assessing your finances during market disruptions, including information on loan programs, cattle prices, and protection programs, visit:
- Apply for an AgriStability Interim Payment
- Beef Farmers of Ontario
- Ontario Federation of Agriculture: Farm Finance and Loan Programs
- Agricorp: Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program
- Beef Cattle Research Council: Resources for Beef Producers during Market Disruptions
- Farm business decision calculators
- Cost of production for crops and livestock
- Special Provision - Financial Difficulties