(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Quiet times appear to be ahead

Significant weather event would maybe move prices

MarketsFarm — As feed grain prices on the Canadian Prairies remain relatively stable, the market appear to be “moving to a quiet summer,” according to Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. “Demand remains neutral to weak, and farmers are holding on to their grain that’s left in the bin,” Motz explained, noting feedlots […] Read more

“Any time you’ve got the provincial government telling us how much money we can make, then you know you have a problem.”

Usual suspects top the list in profitability forecast

But on many operations, the bottom line may depend heavily on when you bought fertilizer

Reading Time: 3 minutes Peas could rival or even beat canola and wheat as a money-maker this year, but oats are likely to be a big disappointment, according to this year’s provincial profitability forecast. The good news is that nearly every major crop in all five major soil zones is estimated to be a money maker, before fixed costs […] Read more


Provincial officials have calculated numbers for every major soil zone. But be forewarned — the cost of inputs is frighteningly high.

Highlights from this year’s crop forecast

There aren’t a lot of surprises but much of the forecast hinges on the cost of growing a crop

Reading Time: 2 minutes Want to hit a home run this year? Grow kabuli chickpeas. But only if you farm in the brown soil zone. That pulse crop holds the No. 1 spot in this year’s forecast from the provincial agriculture department with an anticipated profit (before fixed costs and rent) of $347 an acre — if there’s a […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices

Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more


Barley. (Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley demand, prices rise

Downside risk seen in June, July

MarketsFarm — After months of declining prices, one trader is now seeing a “pop” in the feed barley market. Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities at Saskatoon explained that logistics issues caused transportation delays for barley and resulted in feedlots ordering more than they needed last fall — but by the time spring came around, demand […] Read more

Greg Sears on his farm near Sexsmith. Sears is the Alberta Wheat Commission chair and a director for the interim board.

Cereal commissions near merger with interim board announcement

‘Board in waiting’ will steer direction of a single provincial wheat and barley organization

Reading Time: 3 minutes The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions have announced a new “board of directors in waiting” as the next step in amalgamation of the two organizations. The interim board, which will take over regional governance duties in conjunction with the Aug. 1 amalgamation, features 12 directors: six for wheat and six for barley. “I think the […] Read more


Cereal crops a big economic driver

Cereal crops a big economic driver

Reading Time: < 1 minute A study conducted for Cereals Canada says wheat, barley, durum and oats pack a major economic punch. The study estimates that cereal production, and industries associated with it, collectively have an economic impact of $68.8 billion, and that more than 370,000 full-time- equivalent jobs are supported by the four crops. Wheat and barley are the […] Read more

A barley crop south of Ethelton, Sask. on July 30, 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

Australia reaches deal with China in barley dispute

Trade shift may be 'bad news' for Canada and other exporters

Sydney/Beijing | Reuters — Australia has reached an agreement with China to resolve their dispute over barley imports, the two countries said on Tuesday, a latest sign of improving ties between the major commodity trade partners. Relations between the two had been strained for years, and worsened after Australia called for an inquiry into the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Demand surges for grass cattle

Barley, corn expected to be cheaper next fall

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Certain auction markets did not have sales due to the shortened holiday week. Adverse weather also shuttered some sales on Wednesday and Thursday in the eastern Prairie region. Southern Alberta feedlots are contending with poor pen conditions which may […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley prices still historically high, but face headwinds

Bulk corn delivery remains more convenient

MarketsFarm — Feed barley bids in Western Canada remain historically strong, despite easing off their highs over the past month and trending lower. With bids of around $410 per tonne into the Lethbridge feedlot alley, feed barley “is still a sell,” according to Mike Jubinville of MarketsFarm, speaking on a webinar. However, he noted there […] Read more