Barley south of Ethelton, Sask. on July 30, 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

Prairie barley groups back new research funding arm

The three Prairie barley growers’ groups are taking a more “collaborative” approach to longer-term national and regional research work on barley breeding. SaskBarley, Alberta Barley and the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association on Monday launched what they’ve dubbed the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC), following a path similar to that of the three provincial […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Firm undertone to Prairie grains

MarketsFarm — Solid demand from cattle feeders and ongoing logistic issues across the Prairies should keep a firm undertone in the feed grain market for the time being, according to an Alberta broker. “The feed market has definitely moved higher,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta., adding “demand is strong through feedlot […] Read more


There were so many unharvested acres in Alberta this year — 1.6 million — that Agriculture Financial Services Corporation put on a series of meetings across the province in November and December to hear concerns and answer questions from producers.

A normal crop year went out the window in 2019

It seems pretty much everyone had severe weather challenges this year, but they came in many forms

Reading Time: 5 minutes Weather always gets talked about, but usually there are other issues that mark the year gone by. But this was a year when the rain gauge and thermometer were front and central from spring to harvest. Or rather, what passed for harvest. With about 1.6 million acres of crops still in the field, the story […] Read more

Bishop stays on as chair of Alberta Barley

Reading Time: < 1 minute Dave Bishop will continue as chair of Alberta Barley for a second year. Bishop, who farms near Barons, is entering his final year on the farm group’s board. Wade McAllister, who farms near Innisfail, will serve as vice-chair. He joined the board a year ago and said “taking on a leadership role in the barley […] Read more


Malt barley recommendations for 2020

Malt barley recommendations for 2020

Reading Time: < 1 minute AAC Connect and CDC Bow have made the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre’s short list of recommended varieties for the coming year. The duo joins longtime favourites CDC Copeland, AAC Synergy, and AC Metcalfe on the short list. Those three accounted for 88 per cent of insured Alberta barley acres in 2019 — Copeland was […] Read more



(File photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Prairie market stable heading into New Year

MarketsFarm — Western Canadian feed grain markets are showing some stability heading into the New Year, as buyers have generally booked coverage over the holiday season. “Everybody is just waiting to see what will happen,” said Mike Fleischhauer of Eagle Commodities in Lethbridge. While large amounts of tough grain were moving, he said there was […] Read more

Geopolitical forces are overriding supply-and-demand factors in grain and oilseed markets, 
says analyst Mike Jubinville.

Buckle up — grain markets are in for a bumpy ride

Politics, protectionism and the increasing odds of a global recession make for a ‘tough market’

Reading Time: 5 minutes Trade wars around the globe have created a turbulent marketplace for Canadian farmers — and the wild ride isn’t likely to end any time soon. “Over the past two years, the markets really stand apart from what I’ve seen in the 30 years that I’ve been following the grain markets,” said Mike Jubinville, senior market […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Grains pressured by lower demand

MarketsFarm — Bids for feed grains have backed off previous highs as feedlots in Western Canada are covered into the New Year. “Now they’re bidding January and forward,” said Allen Pirness of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. Bids for feed barley and feed wheat delivered from January to March were around $220 per tonne, according […] Read more