Reading Time: 7 minutes Value-added agriculture on the prairies might conjure images of a large-scale industry whose size reflects the immensity of the wheat, lentil and canola fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. And you might think it’s mostly farmers formulating products that add value to what they grow. After all, it sounds so right […] Read more
A recipe and a dream
What does it take to add value to Canadian crops? Good entrepreneurial skills and, as you’ll see, a little bit more
Potential for fewer flax acres seen this year
Reading Time: < 1 minute CNS Canada — While area seeded to flax in Canada has been increasing over the past four years, that upward momentum may halt in 2016-17. Flax’s cost of production is higher than many of its rivals and the growing lustre of pulse crops could cut into some acres, according to one industry watcher. “It’s too […] Read more
Flax prices see upward bump on increased demand
Reading Time: 1 minute CNS Canada –– Foreign demand has picked up in the flax market, according to a grain brokerage firm — and despite increased competition, Canadian prices have seen a slight uptick as limited quality flax is available. Old-crop flax prices have increased slightly since harvest, as farmers have been firm on sales, and demand has picked […] Read more
Flax crop could average 30 bushels an acre
Reading Time: < 1 minute CNS Canada –– Canada’s 2015-16 flax crop could be about 30 per cent bigger than last year’s, according to an expert in the industry. “A million tonnes is what they’re talking about for Canada,” said Richard Zacharias, general manager of Prairie Flax Products near Portage la Prairie, Man. While the majority of the crop still […] Read more
Is the renewed interest in oats, barley and flax just a blip?
Acreage may be up in barley, oats and flaxseed, but that doesn’t mean there’s a long-term resurgence of interest in those crops
Reading Time: 7 minutes The trend to lower acreages of barley, oats and flaxseed in recent years has largely reflected the increased profitability in alternative grains and oilseeds, and canola in particular. As Western Canada’s darling, canola production crested at nearly 18 million tonnes in 2013, and even more is being called for with the Canola Council of Canada’s […] Read more
Flax market falling in anticipation of large new crop
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada –– Spot prices for flax in Western Canada have dropped off in the last couple of days, reacting to expectations of large new-crop production in other parts of the world. “If you look at the main line companies, they’ve gone from C$13 to $14 a bushel, down to $11.60,” said Grant Fehr, flaxseed […] Read more
Flaxseed acres likely to top official estimates
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — The relative strength in flaxseed bids, recent uncertainty in other cropping options and a general need to mitigate risk could see a few more acres sway towards the oilseed in Western Canada this spring, according to some market watchers. Statistics Canada recently forecast flaxseed plantings for 2015-16 at 1.63 million acres, which […] Read more
Flax prices still strong enough to buy acres
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada –– Canada’s flax prices are still holding strong enough to encourage an acreage increase this spring, despite concerns about slowing demand. Prices have held up even as shipping opportunities have started to slow down, as there’s a standoff between buyers and sellers, and supplies remain tight, said Mike Jubinville of ProFarmer Canada. Old-crop […] Read more
More downside than upside for Prairie flaxseed bids
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — Flaxseed prices remain strong in Western Canada, but that strength is relative and there are more bearish than bullish factors in the background which should weigh on values over the next few months. Spot flaxseed bids can currently be found in the $13-plus per bushel area, while new-crop is in the $11 […] Read more
Prairie flax prices strong as farmers sit on supplies
Reading Time: 2 minutes CNS Canada — Flax prices in Western Canada are staying strong, with a lack of significant farmer selling supporting the market. “It seems as though the farmers are just sitting on their inventory and not bringing it in, so the prices are moving up,” said Richard Zacharias, general manager of Prairie Flax Products near Portage […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
