Despite a slow start to seeding in Manitoba this spring, farmers should still be able to plant a record-large soybean crop. Statistics Canada reported in its latest planting intentions report that farmers in Manitoba intended to plant 1.085 million acres of soybeans as of March 31. Shawn Rempel, products manager with Quarry Seed at Stonewall, […] Read more
Record-large Manitoba soybean acreage still possible
Prairie durum holding premium over spring wheat
Tight supply concerns have helped durum wheat prices in Western Canada stay strong and maintain a premium over spring wheat values. “We have a projected very low Canadian carryout for durum; we’re sharply below the five- and 10-year averages,” said Jerry Klassen, manager of GAP Grains and Produits in Winnipeg. “Whereas, the spring wheat ending […] Read more
Prairie flax cash market comes off its highs
The western Canadian flax cash market seems to be coming down from recent highs. Fresh demand from China and Europe helped values rally recently, but the market in Europe has leveled off and Canadian cash prices seem to be following along. Chuck Penner, president of LeftField Commodity Research in Winnipeg, said he’s not sure if […] Read more
Late spring supporting Prairie canola cash market
Prices for canola on the cash market in Western Canada are strong, finding good support from the late spring in the region. The uncertainty surrounding the late spring in Western Canada is supportive for both old-crop and new-crop values, said Errol Anderson, president of ProMarket Communications in Calgary. “I think the old-crop canola might be […] Read more
Wheat movement slowing on Prairies
Wheat movement in Western Canada has started to slow down, as some farmers are eager to get started on seeding and have shifted their focus to other projects. “Right now the focus is on trying to get out in the field,” said Reid Fenton with BLB Grain Group at Three Hills, Alta. “In this area […] Read more
Hog producers still losing money
Hog producers in Canada are still losing money because of high feed prices, according to industry officials. Current hog prices are actually above the long-term average, but because feed costs are so high, producers are still unable to turn a profit, said Brad Marceniuk, livestock economist with Saskatchewan’s ministry of agriculture in Saskatoon. According to […] Read more
Late spring could mean more Prairie canaryseed acres
Expectations that persistent winter-like weather will delay seeding in Western Canada this spring could result in more canaryseed acreage. “Canaryseed is often the last thing people seed, and I think the delayed planting season might be a factor,” said Kevin Hursh of the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan. Acres could increase, he said, because some […] Read more
Tight feed supplies send some of West’s feeder cattle south
Feeder cattle in Western Canada are starting to move south to the U.S. to be finished because of tight Canadian feed supplies, according to industry officials. Both feed barley and feed wheat supplies are on the tight side, but logistical problems are only making the situation worse. “Seasonally, we’re going into a time of year […] Read more
Wet Prairies could help some insects thrive
Western Canadian farmers should be on the lookout for a number of insect species this growing season, as the wet spring conditions may cause some populations to thrive, specialists in the three Prairie provinces said. One insect that thrives in wetter weather, and thus could impact growers this season, is the wheat midge. Insect specialists […] Read more
Strong flax prices may not encourage acres
Values for new-crop flax across Western Canada are strong, but may not result in more acres this spring. According to Prairie Ag Hotwire, new-crop values ranged from $13.75 to $14.50 per bushel as of Thursday. Old-crop prices across Western Canada were reported as being around $14 to C$16.50 per bushel. “A lot of guys will […] Read more
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