One is not old until regret replaces dreams — I have no idea where that quote originates but I received it, via a beef industry newsletter this week. It rings true and happily, confirms that I am not old which seems like a good place to begin the new year from.
In other beginnings; there is happy days ahead for hockey-lovers with the NHL season finally kicking into gear; thereby alleviating some winter-doldrums for some folks (avid Canuck fans like my mother, Mary and my aunt, Joan) as they resume watching games, in the comfort of their easy-chairs.
For the cattle business, the beginning of each new year heralds hope and optimism and cattlemen making plans in their minds as they trudge through the snow each day on their way to start the feed truck or tractor or to harness up the team to distribute feed to their livestock.
A bit more snow than usual appears to be the norm in most parts of the Cariboo and the consistent temperatures are good for the rancher and the livestock. When the thermometer swings erratically, from one extreme to the next in short spans, it wreaks havoc with the daily feed-plan whereas steady temperatures makes it far less of a challenge to keep sailing along with a nice even keel. With recent temperatures hovering steadily between -10 C to -15 C, most producers would have few complaints.
Industry marketplaces are in a lull, but will begin to pick up after the groundhog checks in. Canfax (market-advisory bulletin) analysts tout 2013 as a year of stronger prices, but caution that any of the following factors (or others) could muddy the market-waters. Any major blips in the European, U.S. or major Asian economies would rock the boat badly and the continuation of the U.S. drought (many producers in dire need of rain/grain) aggravating further-forced marketings.
