The president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers remains hopeful 2021 will see improved livestock prices.

Cattle prices were pushed downward last year after Covid-19 forced temporary closures at meatpacking plants and a backlog of cattle going to market.

Stock Growers president Kelcy Elford says the North American cow herd is down in numbers and the backlog at packing plants is clearing.

He is optimistic 2021 will see improved cattle prices.

Elford adds weather in 2020 caused some problems with dryness in the south and flooding in the north.

Moose Jaw had its driest year ever and Regina saw precipitation down 48 percent from normal last year.