The AgriPost
March 27, 2026
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Argyle Farmer Sees Strong Return as Cull Bull Brings Nearly $7,700 By Harry Siemens Strong cattle prices continue to shape decisions on Manitoba farms, and Argyle mixed farmer Ian Smith recently saw that reality firsthand after selling an eight-year-old Shorthorn bull for nearly $7,700 at the Winnipeg Stockyards. Smith says the final cheque surprised him, although he expected the animal to weigh close to 3,000 pounds. “I did my Argyle math and thought the bull might hit about 2,900 pounds,” Smith says. “He weighed 2,965 pounds on the scale.” Cull bulls recently bring prices as high as $2.60 per pound, but auction markets always carry some uncertainty. Smith’s bull sold for $2.59 per pound, bringing a final price of $7,628. “So yes, I was happy,” he says. The bull, Muridale Gallagher 308G, originally came from Muridale Shorthorns near
This eight-year-old Shorthorn bull sold for nearly $7,700 at the Winnipeg Stockyards.
Swift Current, owned by Russell Muri. Smith bought the bull sight unseen after studying the pedigree and speaking with the breeder. One name in the pedigree stood out to him. “Gallagher had a bull in his background called Bonanza,”
Smith says. “I liked that show growing up, so that made me think I might like this bull too. That’s why I bought him.” Strong cattle prices have helped many producers plan future purchases. However, those same prices also push beef costs higher for consumers.
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Smith runs a mixed farm near Argyle that includes grain, cattle, and pigs. Higher beef prices have also increased demand for his pork. “More people are buying sides of pork from me because beef is expensive in the store,” he says. “So I win at both ends.”
Smith’s long background in the hog industry influences how he manages his cattle herd. He believes the cattle sector still has lessons to learn from the hog industry regarding biosecurity and herd management. “With me being in the hog industry all my life, I understand how important it is to have a closed herd and use AI semen,” Smith says. “The cattle industry is behind the times compared to the hog industry when it comes to disease and closed herds.” Cattle markets remain historically strong because of limited supply. Smith says the low inventory of cows and heifers continues to support prices. “As of two weeks ago, I would say cattle prices are only going to go higher,” he says. However, global events can quickly affect market outlook. “With what’s happening in the Middle East, the world is in
turmoil,” Smith says. “Nothing is stable from one day to another.” Smith offers a note of caution to young producers entering the industry amid high cattle prices. “Be very careful when investing,” he says. “You want to buy low and sell high.” Despite rising fuel and fertilizer costs, farm life continues with its daily challenges and rewards. Recently, two sows on Smith’s farm produced litters of 14 and 12 piglets. “Twenty-six pigs from two sows,” Smith says. “Life is good on the farm here in Argyle.” IS bull at sale The bull, Muridale Gallagher 308G, originally came from Muridale Shorthorns near Swift Current, owned by Russell Muri. Smith bought the bull sight unseen after studying the pedigree and speaking with the breeder.