MarketsFarm — Following the release of monthly supply and demand estimates from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Thursday, Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. wasn’t surprised at how low the numbers dropped, particularly for barley. Motz commented the harvest hasn’t been as good as initially thought, noting the AAFC report confirmed the situation […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: No surprises in latest barley numbers
Klassen: Higher input costs limit upside for feeder cattle market
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were quite variable trading $5 higher to as much as $6 lower. Calf prices have been consolidating over the past couple weeks and once again traded $3 to $4 on either side of unchanged. Strong demand was evident for 800-pound-plus yearlings fresh off grass. Feedlots in the […] Read more
Make the best of a bad year with astute grain marketing, say experts
Soaring wheat prices could go higher still, but get advice and be nimble, say market watchers
Reading Time: 5 minutes Drought conditions across Western Canada and elsewhere have driven wheat yields down — and wheat prices up. “I’m having trouble remembering any time in history where we have seen prices for fall delivery ahead of harvest this high,” said Mike Jubinville, senior market analyst with MarketsFarm. “It’s not the all-time record high for wheat prices […] Read more
When will it end? If the fall rains don’t come, the hurt will continue
Autumn downpours could turn things around but moisture reserves are greatly depleted
Reading Time: 5 minutes Stephen Vandervalk has seen some tough, dry years on his southern Alberta grain operation since he started farming. But never this dry — and never this tough. “We’re combining the worst crop we’ve ever combined in the history of the farm right now,” the Fort Macleod-area grain farmer said earlier this month. “We’re seeing 10- […] Read more
Schoepp: The power of innovation is fuelling farms everywhere
Whether big like canola, niche like pig’s milk or unexpected like stinging nettles, there’s much to celebrate
Reading Time: 3 minutes I’ve seen and eaten some really amazing foods over the years. Cheese made from sow’s milk, rattlesnake, guinea pig, camel baked in cinnamon, insects and curious fish products. All made for memorable experiences — some that were more pleasant than others. I still cannot stomach camel or Vegemite, nor am I rushing out for grilled […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: New crop expected to stabilize feed prices
Drought will drag Prairies' yields much lower
MarketsFarm — New crop is starting to make its way into feed grain bins as the annual harvest gets underway in Alberta. However, due to the drought conditions which have enveloped Western Canada, yields will be much lower than normal. “(The yields are) generally lower than expected and (there’s been) some disappointment,” said Allen Pirness, […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand underpins yearling market
Western Canada will be seeking U.S. corn
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged to as much as $4 higher in some cases; calf markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged as prices were quite variable across the Prairies. Major feedlot operators were extremely aggressive for yearlings. Larger groups of one-cut cattle were very well bid. April live […] Read more
Will a third of a billion dollars in drought aid be enough?
Massive emergency rescue plan won’t be enough for many
Reading Time: 5 minutes Emergency money for cattle producers is coming, but now the big questions are: How fast will it arrive? And will it be enough? Although the $340 million pledged for Alberta ranchers under the AgriRecovery program is a big number, the skyrocketing cost of feeding cattle is even bigger. “The total lend is $200 a head. […] Read more
Alberta reckons with poor quality, low crop yields
MarketsFarm – Crops in Alberta will not only have much lower yields than in previous years, but good quality crops will be harder to find. Provincial crop condition ratings declined over the past two weeks, according to the Province of Alberta’s biweekly crop report as of Aug. 10, which was released three days later. Only […] Read more
Know what you’ve got is the golden rule when feed is short
Nitrate levels are higher in drought-stressed crops, so testing feed is an absolute must
Reading Time: 4 minutes Testing your feed should top your to-do list this fall and winter. “Get that crop tested,” said Bart Lardner, a University of Saskatchewan professor who holds a research chair in cow-calf and forage systems. “Know what you’re starting with and know what you’re dealing with in terms of energy density, protein density, and anti-quality factors […] Read more
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