MarketsFarm — Labour shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, high feed costs and lower prices posed constant threats to Canada’s hog industry in 2021. Nevertheless, pork appears to be in a good spot entering 2022, according to two analysts. “2021 was not the best, but not the worst,” said Tyler Fulton, director of risk management […] Read more
Pork industry looks ahead from turbulent 2021
Pork prices expected to stay elevated in 2022
Feed weekly outlook: Markets facing uncertainty
MarketsFarm — Feed grain markets in Western Canada are facing some uncertainty amid tight domestic supplies and reports of transportation issues bringing up corn from the United States. “It’s very strange,” said Susanne Leclerc of MarketMaster Ltd. in Alberta. “You see stories like that (reporting on feedlots running low on grain), then you talk to […] Read more
Transport strains pile on drought-induced feed shortages
Importing U.S. corn not cheap
Winnipeg | Reuters — Canadian farmers say they are just days away from running out of feed for cattle, due to severe drought last summer damaging crops needed to fatten them over winter and transportation bottlenecks. The drought devastated Prairie pastures and has now forced feedlots in Alberta, the main cattle-producing province, to buy more […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market softens on tight feed grain supply
Ontario buying interest subsides
Compared to last week, prices for yearling steers were down $2-$4 while yearling heifers were down $4 to as much as $8. Calf markets were down $3-$6 from last week. Negative feeding margins, colder temperatures and tight feed grain supplies were the three main factors setting a negative tone in the feeder market. Rail imports […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Status quo for now, but change coming
MarketsFarm — Feed grains in Western Canada have been holding close to the status quo for the last little while, but that’s likely to change, according to Jim Beusekom of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. He pointed to increases in corn and wheat this week in U.S. futures markets, in which corn has gained about […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $3 lower on average; calves were relatively unchanged but limited numbers were on offer. Strength in the Canadian dollar appeared to temper demand from south of the border in the 750-plus-lb. weight categories. Last week was the first full week of sales in both […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Alberta bids see slight gains
MarketsFarm — Alberta feedlots are only buying feed barley and wheat on a hand-to-mouth basis as demand remains unchanged, according to a local trader. “A lot of the feedlots we work with are buying what they needed and getting covered,” said Agfinity Inc. senior trader Erin Harakal from Stony Plain, Alta. High-delivered bids are $12.93 […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Feedlots, elevators filled with corn
MarketsFarm — As 2022 begins, feed grain markets in Alberta have been “status quo,” according to a grain buyer. “There’s a lot of grain that has been pre-contracted in terms of corn coming in from the United States,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. “Lots of priority has been towards execution, making […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Prices to remain steady until spring
MarketsFarm – Feed grains in Western Canada are seeing limited trading during the holiday season, but the demand for feed remains at feedlots. “The trade has been very slow. We’re kind of just in execution mode right now,” said Evan Peterson, trader for JGL Commodities in Moose Jaw, Sask. “Stocks are tight on the farm, […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Corn is king at feedlots to end 2021
MarketsFarm — As the holidays approach and 2021 comes to a close, there was little trading activity on feed grain markets, according to Allen Pirness, senior trader at Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. “The offers are still quite a bit higher than the bids. But there hasn’t been a lot of appetite right at the […] Read more