For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder markets averaged $3-$6/cwt higher compared to seven days earlier. Weakness in the Canadian dollar along with strength in the deferred live cattle futures set a positive tone. Recent rains have enhanced yield potential for the Canadian barley crop, which also underpinned nearby cash values. Alberta packers were […] Read more

Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand
Improvement seen in feeding margins

April grain deliveries see increases all around
Barley deliveries up sharply
MarketsFarm –– Producer deliveries of major grains last month were up nearly 40 per cent when compared to April 2022, according to Statistics Canada (StatCan). In April 2023 more than 3.44 million tonnes of grain were delivered, versus 2.46 million a year ago. The uptick in deliveries continued to demonstrate the sizeable harvest farmers reaped […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Rain falls, grain prices to follow
U.S. corn values expected to decline
MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices in Western Canada are showing the usual seasonal weakness as spring seeding continues, but prices are set to fall further. “I think as we get going, (prices) are going to lower down quite a bit,” Mike Fleischhauer of Eagle Commodities Ltd. at Lethbridge said. “The corn market over the next […] Read more

AAFC projecting canola ending stocks to tighten
New-crop wheat ending stocks figure boosted
MarketsFarm — Canadian canola ending stocks in both the current marketing year and upcoming 2023-24 season will be tighter than earlier estimates, according to supply/demand projections from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on Tuesday. Factoring in Statistics Canada’s latest acreage estimates and its data for stocks as of March 31 — figures both released in […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Barley market steady for now
Feedlots still importing U.S. corn
MarketsFarm — Feed barley bids in Western Canada continue to hold steady, while attention in the market turns to the new crop going into the ground. “There currently is an uptick in demand for quick movement presenting good opportunities for producers ready to sell,” Alberta grain brokerage Agfinity said in a note to clients. “However, […] Read more

Barley scholarship on offer
Application deadline May 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Barley will be giving out three $2,000 scholarships for students actively engaged in barley research. Applicants need to send a one-page summary of their research project and how it “could be beneficial to barley producers and the industry.” Preference will be given to projects that align with the cereal group’s research priorities. For more […] Read more

Klassen: Lower beef production forecast drives feeder market higher
Feedlots factoring in lower feed grain values
Compared to the week ending May 6, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher while calf values were up $2 to as much as $8 on average. The feeder market was well bid across all weight categories. Demand for grass cattle appeared to be more aggressive this past week. Yearling supplies will decrease over the […] Read more

Cash advance applications soar along with interest rate
With the interest-free portion being upped to $350,000, producers would save thousands — or even invest it
Reading Time: 5 minutes There’s been a surge in the number of farmers seeking cash advances thanks to soaring interest rates and a big increase in the interest-free portion of the loan. And the deal might even be tempting farmers who don’t need an operating loan. On April 3, the opening day of the 2023 program, the Canadian Canola […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Short-term premiums add to fluctuations
Truckers seen trying to stay as local as possible
MarketsFarm — Although most feed grain buyers were fairly well covered through spring seeding, Susanne Leclerc of Market Master Ltd. at Edmonton said some were looking for feed to get through the coming weeks and offered premiums. “Which is a shock for seeding season,” she said, suggesting it’s best to shop around, with prices fluctuating […] Read more

Unique year-round grazing method pays major dividends
Constant searching for new grazing ideas has led Dave Sammons to a strategy that works
Reading Time: 3 minutes Cow-calf producer Dave Sammons has come up with a unique and varied grazing strategy that has cut his workload and feed bills while boosting organic matter. His system on his mixed farm near Gleichen includes stubble grazing into early winter, then moving the herd onto cover crops, and then onto corn. “The grazing has helped […] Read more