The Manager of Canfax Research Services says they were surprised by last year's calf prices.

Brenna Grant says they remained steady at $222 per hundred weight.

"That was really encouraging to see both the strength of the domestic and international demand to maintain those prices in the face of large supplies," she commented.

Grant is optimistic calf prices will be around $2.00 per pound this fall.

She adds, feed challenges like high hay prices and last year's spring snow storm leading to more culls, prevented the Canadian herd from growing.

"Even though we still have profitability in our cow-calf sector, we're just not seeing the expansion, fortunately we are seeing an increased number of feeder cattle being fed in Canada."