Canadian farm income, no matter how it’s measured, was up a lot in 2020, data released Wednesday by Statistics Canada show. Canadian net farm income of $18.1 billion is up $4.8 billion from 2019 — a 36.5 per cent increase. Another measure — realized net farm income (RNFI) — saw farmers take in $9.9 billion, […] Read more

StatsCan shows 2020 farm income up significantly
Farm cash receipts were up more than expenses

Klassen: Feeder market heating up
Wholesale beef prices climbing
Compared to last week, quality yearling packages were $2-$5 higher while calf values were unchanged to $2 higher. A surge in buying interest surfaced for yearlings last week as fed cattle prices continue to trade near 52-week highs. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $162-$165 delivered and breakeven pen closeouts are […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Saskatchewan barley price spikes, drops
MarketsFarm — It was a tale of two weeks for Saskatchewan feed barley prices. The high-delivered bid for the crop on May 11 bolted from $6 per bushel to $6.75 in one day, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire data. Saskatchewan’s price spike put the bid only 80 cents behind Alberta’s. However, on May 19, while […] Read more

Cut grain inspection costs to stay competitive, say Alberta farm groups
Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley split with Prairie counterparts on Canada Grain Act review
Reading Time: 3 minutes The system that regulates grain standards needs to be modernized — and costly duplication of inspection services eliminated, say Alberta’s cereal commissions. “The Canada Grain Act hasn’t been reviewed since 1971, and from 1971 to 2021, we’ve seen significant changes on the farm,” said Alberta Wheat chair Todd Hames. “It’s an old act, so it’s […] Read more

Klassen: Drier conditions will influence feeder market
The feeder market was hard to define this week. The quality of yearlings was quite variable. Fleshier types were heavily discounted while quality packages were unchanged from seven days earlier. Calf prices were mostly unchanged; however, values were down $4-$6 in drier pockets of southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba. Southern Alberta barley prices were quoted […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Falling futures suggest first cracks in lofty market
MarketsFarm — A sharp drop in corn and wheat futures prices at the Chicago Board of Trade over the past week could be the sign of the first cracks in the western Canadian feed grain market. That said, tight supplies and uncertainty over new-crop grain production remain supportive. “With the move on the futures market […] Read more

ADM to crush soybeans in North Dakota
Ex-Cargill Malt plant to be redeveloped
A former malt processing plant in eastern North Dakota is set to be the site of the state’s first soybean crushing plant. U.S. ag processor ADM, the ‘A’ of the four ‘ABCD’ companies that dominate global grain trading, announced Monday it will spend about US$350 million to develop a dedicated soybean crush plant and refinery […] Read more

Klassen: Stronger fed cattle prices underpin feeder complex
Limited feed and forage hinder further upside
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $265-$270 delivered this past week, up $3-$5 from seven days earlier. Live prices were quoted at $159-$162 delivered using a 60 per cent grading. If the feedlot operator booked their feed grains earlier in winter, live prices are $2-$3 above breakeven […] Read more

Canada left with very tight canola, barley stocks
'You can't find canola anywhere in the country'
MarketsFarm — Statistics Canada’s grain stocks report leaves no question that canola stocks have been tight for some time in Canada and will continue to be unless demand is slashed, according to independent trader Jerry Klassen in Winnipeg. “You can’t find canola anywhere in the country and the stocks that are out there, a lot […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Drought, demand deplete southern Alberta stocks
MarketsFarm — Prices for feed grains are continuing to go up — and with depleted stocks and dry conditions forecast for the Prairies, they are likely to rise a bit more. “There’s a shortage of corn. Corn’s at over $400 (per tonne) in southern Alberta. You’ve got barley that’s pushing over $340-$350 and that’s a […] Read more