(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Prairie grains remain firm

Transport issues slow U.S. corn flow

MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices in Western Canada remain strong in late November, although looming corn imports from the U.S. should keep a lid on the upside. Feed barley in Alberta is currently topping out at $9.78 per bushel, with feed wheat above $12 in some cases, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. Those prices remain […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: U.S. corn filling Canadian feed shortages

MarketsFarm – As winter approaches, corn is making up a greater appearance in feed channels, supplanting barley and wheat in the process. “In Western Canada, the yields were significantly lower than average. So we’re importing a lot of feed into Western Canada, mostly corn and corn with DDGs (dried distillers’ grains),” said Allen Pirness, manager […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Shortages leading to price increases

MarketsFarm — Prices for feed grains are swinging higher because of shortages, according to Mike Fleischhauer of Eagle Commodities Ltd. in Lethbridge. “One thing we are sure of is we are running out of inventory, barley for sure, and we’re 11 months away from new crop,” he said. This year’s severe drought and excessive heat […] Read more



A corn crop near London, Ont. in July 2021. Relatively good yields down east may lead to more Prairie livestock feeders “jumping on the corn bandwagon.” (Farmtario photo by John Greig)

Feed weekly outlook: Crop estimates show severity of drought

'Corn bandwagon' filling up

MarketsFarm — Preliminary crop yield estimates released by Statistics Canada on Monday outlined just how severely the drought in Western Canada cut into production. Mike Fleischhauer, general manager for Eagle Commodities at Lethbridge, Alta., was not at all surprised by the numbers. “I think we knew that was happening all along,” he said. “There are […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Stronger live cattle futures lift yearling market

Recent rains rejuvenate Prairie pastures

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were quoted $3 to as much as $6 higher; calf markets once again traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged depending on the region. Unbridled buying interest was noted on larger groups of high-quality yearlings. Despite the grass conditions this summer, cattle characteristics are rated above average […] Read more


A barley crop south of Ethelton, Sask. on July 30, 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

Feed weekly outlook: New crop expected to stabilize feed prices

Drought will drag Prairies' yields much lower

MarketsFarm — New crop is starting to make its way into feed grain bins as the annual harvest gets underway in Alberta. However, due to the drought conditions which have enveloped Western Canada, yields will be much lower than normal. “(The yields are) generally lower than expected and (there’s been) some disappointment,” said Allen Pirness, […] Read more




(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm

Canada's feeder exports down off year-ago levels

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average. Strength was noted in the mid-weight categories as lighter calves and yearlings (900 pounds-plus) were relatively unchanged. Major feedlots were dominant buyers, with little demand surfacing for grassers. Feeding margins are in positive territory and recent rains have enhance […] Read more