Reading Time: 3 minutes CNS Canada — July is usually when Canadian canary seed prices weaken as producers dump unsold product onto the market — but this year that might not happen as trade uncertainty around the world affects the markets. “We tend to see weakness in July and then strength in the fall, but I don’t know if […] Read more

Trade uncertainty hitting canary seed markets

Production outlook keeps canary seed under pressure
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — Excess soil moisture is holding up planting of canary seed in Saskatchewan, though according to one market watcher, the overall production outlook for 2017 is good, leaving prices struggling to rise. “Prices are soft,” said Kevin Hursh, executive director of the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan. Prices remain locked in the 19- […] Read more
Canary seed market watches peso ahead of planting
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — It’s not a stellar time for canary seed prices but the situation could improve, depending on acreage this spring and what the Mexico peso does in 2017. “Prices are not showing a whole lot of strength,” said Kevin Hursh, executive director of the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan. “We’re probably in that […] Read more
Canaryseed prices to whipsaw on weather
Reading Time: < 1 minute CNSC – Saskatchewan’s canaryseed spot prices have seen short-term gains, as wet conditions stalled harvest progress, but one industry participant expects the market may drift back down in the long run. “It’s a pretty good crop, it just isn’t in the bin,” said David Nobbs, managing partner of Canpulse Foods, and current chair of the […] Read more
Canary seed carryout most likely underestimated
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — Canary seed could be looking at a carryout 10 times the size at which Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada had pegged it, according to one processor. Ending stocks for the recently finished 2015-16 crop year are currently estimated at only 5,000 tonnes, according to the latest AAFC Outlook for Principal Field Crops report. […] Read more
Canary seed growers expecting above-average yields
Reading Time: < 1 minute CNS Canada –– Where other crops are taking a beating, canary seed is reportedly thriving, with early, above-average yields expected. “Canary seed handles excess moisture better than a lot of other crops,” said Kevin Hursh, executive director of the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan. “Its yield prospects and production prospects are probably a lot brighter […] Read more
Canary seed demand tepid, prices moving lower
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — Despite now being approved for human consumption, demand for canary seed still hasn’t taken flight — and that’s being reflected in lower prices, one industry specialist says. The largest source of pressure in Canada’s canary seed market is weak demand, according to David Nobbs, chair at the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan in […] Read more
Hurdles still ahead for food-approved canary seed
Reading Time: 3 minutes CNS Canada — Canary seed has been ruled fit for human consumption by Health Canada — a victory for an industry working toward that goal for years — but it’s just one step of many to get canary seed onto plates. Canary seed, until now used almost exclusively as birdseed, has received novel food approval […] Read more

Canaryseed prices soft, trending weaker
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada –– Canada’s canaryseed market is slow and stagnant, according to a Saskatchewan-based industry expert, and he expects prices to move lower before improving. Delivered elevator canaryseed is bringing producers 26.5 to 29 cents/lb., according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. “We might see 25 cents/lb. before we see 30 cents/lb.,” said David Nobbs, chair of […] Read more

Regrowth slowing Sask. canaryseed harvest
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — Canaryseed regrowth in west-central Saskatchewan is posing a problem to farmers, and could stall harvest into the winter, according to one expert. The region — particularly near Kindersley — is the largest producer of canaryseed, but also experienced a lot of dryness throughout May and June. That means many crops didn’t germinate […] Read more