File photo of a sunrise over an Alberta barley crop. (MNphotography/iStock/Getty Images)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley harvest begins in Alberta

Prices continue easing

MarketsFarm — The barley harvest has already started in Alberta and prices continue to ease downward, according to one trader. “Around Lethbridge, they seem to have a good portion done,” said Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity Inc. at Stony Plain, Alta. “Some areas in the north are starting, as well. The Edmonton area, Red […] Read more

Wheat in progress west of Pathlow, Sask. on Aug. 1, 2022. (Dave Bedard photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Prices lower despite mixed growing conditions

MarketsFarm — While not as widespread as last year’s historic drought, some parts of Alberta are still struggling with hot and dry conditions. Suzanne Leclerc, owner of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton, said growing conditions for feed grains across the province are varied. “As usual for the last couple of years, such a mixed review,” […] Read more


Another big wheat crop shaping up in Australia

Another big wheat crop shaping up in Australia

Reading Time: < 1 minute The U.S. Department of Agriculture attaché in Australia says the country is expected to produce a third consecutive big grain crop in marketing year 2022-23. The report said another broadly favourable set of conditions around the time of winter grain planting and the early growth phase across most production regions bodes well for wheat and […] Read more




Photo: File

Feed weekly outlook: Declining prices not raising buyers’ interest 

MarketsFarm – Despite prices for Western Canadian feed barley and wheat continuing to decline, buyers are not opening their wallets just yet. Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity Inc. in Stony Plain, Alta., said while growing prospects of a more typical harvest are making cereal crops more affordable, there is still a wait-and-see attitude from […] Read more


“If you aren’t seeing symptoms in your crop and you continue to see no symptoms, our experience in what we see in commercial fields is that it’s likely not going to pay to spray a fungicide.” – Kelly Turkington

Rains were welcome but bring increased threat of crop diseases

There are host of factors to consider before spraying but get out in the field and look closely, says expert

Reading Time: 4 minutes Recent rainfall means farmers need to scout their crops and make decisions about spraying. “Certainly the rain that we’ve had would get things going,” said Kelly Turkington, a plant pathologist at Agriculture Canada’s Lacombe research station. For example, leaf spot diseases in barley and wheat can quickly flare up, he said on July 13. “Within […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Grains under pressure awaiting new crop

Farmers 'digging in and being patient'

MarketsFarm — Feed grain bids in Western Canada continue to come under pressure, as feedlots chew through corn imports from the United States and wait on the new-crop harvest. “We’re certainly seeing things soften,” said grain trader Shaun Smith of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. Declines in the Chicago futures and good Prairie growing conditions […] Read more