Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were down $4-$6 on average; however, mid-weight and lighter calves traded $4 lower to as much as $8 higher. The market was extremely variable for calves. Early in the week, prices in the Lethbridge area were actually $10 above values from seven days earlier but this faded […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market experiencing bottoming behaviour
U.S. livestock: Cattle futures surge on COVID-19 vaccine progress
USDA expected to trim estimates for feed crops
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures reached a four-week high on Monday and feeder cattle hit their highest prices in more than five weeks as progress toward a COVID-19 vaccine raised hopes for a quick economic recovery from the pandemic and increased beef demand. Lean hog futures also finished firmer. Commodity and equity […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soy futures touch new four-year top
Pfizer update on COVID vaccine sends shares, oil higher
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures reached a new four-year high on Monday as the first successful data from a late-stage COVID-19 vaccine trial fueled hopes of the economy recovering quickly from the pandemic-driven crisis. Broad optimism about Pfizer’s vaccine trials added support to a soybean market already buoyed by strong Chinese demand and […] Read more
Prairie cash wheat: Stronger U.S. prices boost Prairie values
Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — Bids in Western Canada were higher this past week for Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) and Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD) wheats. Gains in U.S. wheat markets provided support as a stronger Canadian dollar kept a lid on further increases. Average CWRS (13.5 per cent protein) wheat prices […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soybeans hold near four-year high
Focus shifts to Tuesday's USDA report to gauge tightening supply
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — Chicago soybean futures held near a four-year high on Friday as Brazilian dryness and strong demand from leading importer China kept the market focused on the prospect of tightening supplies. Corn and wheat dipped but were underpinned by weather risks and Chinese-fueled international demand. The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures up despite slower slaughter
December lean hog futures drop
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures gained slightly on Friday after a week of range trading, traders said. Chicago Mercantile Exchange December live cattle futures settled 0.3 cent higher at 108.65 cents/lb. (all figures US$). CME feeder cattle futures gained 0.525 cents to end at 135.925 cents/lb. For the week, live cattle futures […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soybeans reach four-year high on global supply concerns
Corn, wheat rise to one-week highs
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — Chicago soybean futures reached four-year highs on Thursday as continued dryness in South America’s crop areas raised supply concerns at a time of brisk Chinese demand. Corn and wheat hit their highest in more than one week on strong demand and supply concerns. The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago Board […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures up with boxed beef prices
Domestic consumption supportive for hogs
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures climbed on Thursday, supported by higher cash cattle and wholesale beef prices, traders said. Chicago Mercantile Exchange December live cattle futures settled 0.475 cent higher at 108.35 cents/lb. (all figures US$). CME feeder cattle futures gained 0.25 cents to end at 135.4 cents/lb. “After four weeks in […] Read more
ICE weekly outlook: Canola stronger at midweek
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — ICE Futures canola contracts were stronger on Wednesday, making up losses incurred earlier in the week. The nearby January contract closed Wednesday at $545.80 per tonne, gaining over $10 since closing at $534.90 on Monday. Record-high temperatures in parts of the Prairies were part of the reason behind canola’s rally. However, temperatures are […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soybeans lift on South American weather concerns
Market weighs U.S. vote, pending WASDE report
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — Chicago soybean futures gained on Wednesday, touching a one-week high as recent rains in South America do little to aid drought-stricken crops, making U.S. beans more attractive on the world market, traders said. Wheat fell slightly as U.S. and global supply outlooks remain strong, while corn was choppy, paring early declines […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
