Reading Time: 4 minutes With no big storm system impacting our region, the weather models have been doing a good job with the forecasts over the last few weeks. As we start to move closer and closer towards the middle of winter, the longer we can keep the warm air around, the shorter we can hope winter will be. With that said, here is what the big picture is looking like over the next seven or so days.
Prairie forecast: Average to above average temperatures to continue
Issued Dec. 6, covering Dec. 6 to Dec. 13
Klassen: Feeder market bounces on lower volumes
Feedlot operators believe yearling numbers will be down in March and April
Reading Time: 2 minutes Strength was noted in Manitoba and Saskatchewan while a softer tone was evident in Alberta. Once again, buyers shrugged off the weaker feeder cattle futures and the focus was on filling year-end orders. Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlots are carrying larger numbers but there appears to be sufficient bunk capacity available to sustain the price structure.
Merit Foods pays off operating lender, no deal yet for plant
Plant-based protein processor in receivership since March
Reading Time: 3 minutes A Winnipeg pea and canola protein processor in receivership since this spring remains mothballed for now with no firm buyer — but has paid off one of its three secured creditors. Merit Functional Foods, which entered receivership March 1 after just two years’ operation, has sold all its remaining finished and raw inventory and directed […] Read more
Weather Network predicts mild winter, with caveats
Colder scenario expected for East
Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — Strong El Niño conditions that have developed in the Pacific Ocean would typically lead to a milder winter across Canada — but other factors this year could challenge that outlook, according to the winter forecast from The Weather Network, released Wednesday. The winter forecast features a mild start to the season, with a […] Read more
Prairie Forecast: Quiet, mild start to December
Issued Nov. 29, covering Nov. 29 to Dec. 6
Reading Time: 3 minutes The last forecast played out pretty close to what the weather models were predicting, with one small deviation: temperatures ended up being about 2 to 4 C warmer than forecasted. This will be something to keep in mind as we look at this week’s forecast. The forecast is looking rather quiet for this time of […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand continues to support feeder market
Significant downside risk ahead
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending Nov. 25, western Canadian yearling prices were $4-$8/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. However, calf markets were firm trading $5-$8/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to values quoted a week prior. Optimal weather in southern Alberta caused major feedlot operators to stretch their hands across the Prairies. At the […] Read more
Manitoba hog yard cleared for U.S. export
Separate export certificate had been required for yard's cull sows
Reading Time: < 1 minute U.S. authorities have lifted an order that required sows from one Manitoba assembly yard to be certified free of Seneca Valley virus before crossing the border. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed Canada in the second-last week of November had now met protocol conditions for Seneca Valley virus and has lifted the health certificate requirement, […] Read more
Coalition seeks farmers, ranchers to join climate change forum
Farmers for Climate Solutions aims to gather diverse viewpoints
Reading Time: 3 minutes A farmer-led group is hoping to cut through the politics surrounding climate issues by bringing together a diverse group of Prairie farmers and ranchers for discussions around sustainability. “There’s a number of loud voices that tend to dominate the conversations,” says Ian McCreary, a grain and cattle farmer from Bladworth, Sask. McCreary is co-leading the […] Read more
Prairie cash wheat: Prices fall back, more so for CWRS, CPSR
MGEX, K.C. wheats down on week
Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — Wheat prices across the Prairies lost ground during the week ended Nov. 23, with Canada Western Red Spring and Canada Prairie Spring Red wheats incurring larger declines than those for durum. Minneapolis and Kansas City wheat futures pulled back during the week, but Chicago nudged up a little. Ongoing issues with lacklustre U.S. […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Weak demand for barley
Cost of corn DDGS may favour barley
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — As demand for barley remains limp, it has become rather difficult to move the feed grain, according to Darcy Haley of Ag Value Brokers in Lethbridge. “There’s just no demand. We did barley March 10 at $320 per tonne, and in April through to July it traded at $328. That’s $7-$10 cheaper than […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
