Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — Prices for feed grains in Western Canada continue to ease off, but seasonal activity isn’t the only reason contributing to the declines. Erin Harakal, trade manager at Agfinity Inc. at Stony Plain, Alta., said futures markets are also playing their part in pressuring feed grain prices. “Especially with the wheat markets due to […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Futures pressure Canadian prices
Some buyers still seeking coverage
Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug
Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10. […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Grain area to increase this year
Oats area expected to be reduced
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — Early signs point to increased Canadian feed grain production in 2023-24, with record corn acreage intentions and increases in both barley and wheat area on the year, according to the latest estimates from Statistics Canada. Planted corn area in the country is forecast at 3.725 million acres in 2023, which would be up […] Read more
StatCan expects more wheat, canola acres in 2023
Corn, soy, barley acres also expected up
Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — Canadian farmers intend to plant more wheat and canola in 2023, with soybeans, corn and barley area also forecast to expand, according to Statistics Canada’s projections for field crop area. The increases in those crops will come at the expense of oats, lentils and peas, with intended summerfallow area down to its smallest […] Read more
Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex
Futures continue percolating higher
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more
Analysts expect additional acres for canola, wheat
StatCan estimates due out Wednesday
Reading Time: 3 minutes MarketsFarm — If traders and analysts are correct with their estimates, there will be slightly more wheat and canola acres seeded in Canada this year compared to 2022. Statistics Canada (StatCan) will release its first survey-based acreage estimates for the 2023-24 marketing year on April 26. Other than drier and cooler conditions in southern Manitoba, […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Quiet times appear to be ahead
Significant weather event would maybe move prices
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — As feed grain prices on the Canadian Prairies remain relatively stable, the market appear to be “moving to a quiet summer,” according to Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. “Demand remains neutral to weak, and farmers are holding on to their grain that’s left in the bin,” Motz explained, noting feedlots […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices
Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Barley demand, prices rise
Downside risk seen in June, July
Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — After months of declining prices, one trader is now seeing a “pop” in the feed barley market. Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities at Saskatoon explained that logistics issues caused transportation delays for barley and resulted in feedlots ordering more than they needed last fall — but by the time spring came around, demand […] Read more
Australia reaches deal with China in barley dispute
Trade shift may be 'bad news' for Canada and other exporters
Reading Time: 2 minutes Sydney/Beijing | Reuters — Australia has reached an agreement with China to resolve their dispute over barley imports, the two countries said on Tuesday, a latest sign of improving ties between the major commodity trade partners. Relations between the two had been strained for years, and worsened after Australia called for an inquiry into the […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
