Feed weekly outlook: Clearer picture of coming crop means lower prices

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Published: August 13, 2020

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MarketsFarm — Prices for feed barley and wheat have been trending lower recently, according to Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta.

While there has been some harvest pressure, Motz said “it’s more of an equalization of the crops.

“We got through the crunch of July not knowing exactly where things were at. As we get closer [to harvest] there’s more certainty of the crops coming.”

Earlier this week, Manitoba Agriculture reported the province’s winter cereal harvest was approaching the halfway point, while the spring cereals harvest was just getting started.

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It’s a similar situation in Saskatchewan, with the combining of winter cereals well underway and spring cereals barely started. Alberta doesn’t release its crop report, the first in two weeks, until Aug. 14.

From Motz’s perspective, the crops look to be average right now. “Everybody hopes for above-average, but time will tell.”

Prairie Ag Hotwire reported that feed barley prices were down this week. As of Wednesday, prices in Alberta fell 24 cents, to $3.75-$5.05 per bushel delivered. In Saskatchewan, prices dropped 11 cents to $3.52-$3.84, and those in Manitoba slipped four cents to $3.76. Over the last month, barley has dropped 17-34 cents/bu.

As for feed wheat, prices were steady except for an eight-cent loss in Alberta. Prices there were $4.80-$6.45/bu. delivered. In Saskatchewan they held at $4.90-$5.75, and in Manitoba prices were firm at $5.10-$5.35. During the last month prices have declined 11-25 cents/bu.

— Glen Hallick reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.

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