Spring run on fertilizer creates challenges

CNS Canada — Seasonal challenges are popping up for fertilizer users this spring, according to the president of Manitoba’s Keystone Agricultural Producers — but Dan Mazier says they’re not your typical ones. “The supply seems to be all right; definitely anhydrous ammonia is available,” he said. However, he’s heard some reports that this year’s phosphate […] Read more


(Doug Wilson photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Malt barley seeding well ahead of normal

CNS Canada — Barley seeding is well underway across Western Canada and almost complete in southern Alberta, according to the head of the Barley Council of Canada. “We’re two weeks ahead here in southern Alberta, there’s guys that have wrapped up; they’re done seeding already,” said council president Brian Otto. On his own farm at […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Cattle prices seen as strong for year to come

CNS Canada –– Canada’s cattle industry should continue to see high prices for animals at auctions over the next year or so while operators try to rebuild their herds, industry participants predict. “Typical risks for cattle prices are the Canadian dollar and feed costs for cow-calf producers and feeders,” said Brian Perillat, a manager and […] Read more



Brown mustard. (Peggy Greb photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Uncertainty over mustard acreage helps underpin market

CNS Canada –– Mustard acreage in Western Canada looks to remain relatively firm compared to last year’s total, according to an expert in the industry. However, he noted, ambiguity surrounding just how many acres will be seeded is keeping prices firm. Walter Dyck of Wisconsin-based Olds Products said there are few carry-over supplies of mustard […] Read more



(Dave Bedard photo)

ICE weekly outlook: Canola treads water waiting for news

CNS Canada — ICE Futures Canada canola futures moved slightly higher during the week ended Wednesday, as values stayed mostly rangebound amid a dearth of fresh fundamental news. “The open interest is going down because the funds have been liquidating their positions; down under 10,000 contracts,” said analyst Wayne Palmer of Agri-Trend Marketing in Winnipeg,. […] Read more


(Manitoba Co-operator photo by Allan Dawson)

Man. corn planting seen starting last week of April

CNS Canada –– The dry bias to this year’s spring, along with recent warm temperatures, leads one Manitoba agronomist to conclude corn will soon be going into the ground. “By the last week in April… unless some weather shift happens,” said Morgan Cott, agronomist for the Manitoba Corn Growers Association. Excess moisture shortened last year’s […] Read more