Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more

Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex
Futures continue percolating higher

Prairie cash wheat: Red wheats up slightly on week
Prairie durum values down on week
MarketsFarm — Despite adverse weather conditions in both Canada and the U.S., as well as poor growing conditions south of the border, western Canadian wheat bids saw slight increases for the week ended Thursday. A spring snowstorm descended on eastern Saskatchewan, western Manitoba and North Dakota on Wednesday and Thursday, with some parts seeing up […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Quiet times appear to be ahead
Significant weather event would maybe move prices
MarketsFarm — As feed grain prices on the Canadian Prairies remain relatively stable, the market appear to be “moving to a quiet summer,” according to Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. “Demand remains neutral to weak, and farmers are holding on to their grain that’s left in the bin,” Motz explained, noting feedlots […] Read more

Pulse weekly outlook: Peas heading in different directions
Export demand seen down for yellows
MarketsFarm — Prices for green and yellow peas have been starting to move further apart, according to Levon Sargsyan, grain broker with Johnston’s Grain at Welwyn, Sask. Sargsyan pointed out that prices for yellow peas have been slipping back recently. “Export demand has dropped overseas, so that’s been pushing the yellow pea prices down. The […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices
Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more

Prairie soil moisture picture growing clearer
Alberta driest; Saskatchewan variable; Manitoba mostly OK
It’s a variable soil moisture picture on the Prairies as seeding season draws nearer. The east has enough moisture — and in some cases too much. And it gets progressively drier toward the west, with portions of Alberta nearing critical condition, according to one weather watcher. Bruce Burnett, weather and markets director for the MarketsFarm […] Read more

Prairie cash wheat: Stronger loonie sends bids down
U.S. wheat futures also down on week
MarketsFarm — A rising Canadian dollar helped lower western Canadian wheat bids for the week ended Thursday despite an array of supportive factors. As the central and southern U.S. Plains deal with severe drought in winter wheat-growing areas, a large snowpack in the northern Plains threatens to delay spring wheat seeding by a few weeks. […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Barley demand, prices rise
Downside risk seen in June, July
MarketsFarm — After months of declining prices, one trader is now seeing a “pop” in the feed barley market. Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities at Saskatoon explained that logistics issues caused transportation delays for barley and resulted in feedlots ordering more than they needed last fall — but by the time spring came around, demand […] Read more

Klassen: Demand surges for grass cattle
Barley, corn expected to be cheaper next fall
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Certain auction markets did not have sales due to the shortened holiday week. Adverse weather also shuttered some sales on Wednesday and Thursday in the eastern Prairie region. Southern Alberta feedlots are contending with poor pen conditions which may […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Barley prices still historically high, but face headwinds
Bulk corn delivery remains more convenient
MarketsFarm — Feed barley bids in Western Canada remain historically strong, despite easing off their highs over the past month and trending lower. With bids of around $410 per tonne into the Lethbridge feedlot alley, feed barley “is still a sell,” according to Mike Jubinville of MarketsFarm, speaking on a webinar. However, he noted there […] Read more