CNS Canada — Canada’s flax acres are expected to fall about a third from last year’s levels, according to Statistics Canada data. One market participant says weaker prices have influenced farmers, while another says smaller crops are often overlooked during surveys. StatsCan estimates flax’s seeded area at about 1.1 million acres, compared with 1.6 million acres […] Read more
Flax expected to lose a third of acres
Eight tips for growing flax
Agronomy researcher Chris Holzapfel shares what he’s learned about growing flax
If you count each research plot as a crop, Chris Holzapfel – a research manager for the Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation – has grown more crops in a few years than most farmers have a chance to grow in a lifetime. Holzapfel’s research includes several different crops, but at a recent Saskatchewan Oilseed Producer[...]
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Potential for fewer flax acres seen this year
CNS Canada — While area seeded to flax in Canada has been increasing over the past four years, that upward momentum may halt in 2016-17. Flax’s cost of production is higher than many of its rivals and the growing lustre of pulse crops could cut into some acres, according to one industry watcher. “It’s too[...]
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Flax prices see upward bump on increased demand
CNS Canada –– Foreign demand has picked up in the flax market, according to a grain brokerage firm — and despite increased competition, Canadian prices have seen a slight uptick as limited quality flax is available. Old-crop flax prices have increased slightly since harvest, as farmers have been firm on sales, and demand has picked[...]
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Flax crop could average 30 bushels an acre
CNS Canada –– Canada’s 2015-16 flax crop could be about 30 per cent bigger than last year’s, according to an expert in the industry. “A million tonnes is what they’re talking about for Canada,” said Richard Zacharias, general manager of Prairie Flax Products near Portage la Prairie, Man. While the majority of the crop still[...]
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Flax market falling in anticipation of large new crop
CNS Canada –– Spot prices for flax in Western Canada have dropped off in the last couple of days, reacting to expectations of large new-crop production in other parts of the world. “If you look at the main line companies, they’ve gone from C$13 to $14 a bushel, down to $11.60,” said Grant Fehr, flaxseed[...]
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Flaxseed acres likely to top official estimates
CNS Canada — The relative strength in flaxseed bids, recent uncertainty in other cropping options and a general need to mitigate risk could see a few more acres sway towards the oilseed in Western Canada this spring, according to some market watchers. Statistics Canada recently forecast flaxseed plantings for 2015-16 at 1.63 million acres, which[...]
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Flax prices still strong enough to buy acres
CNS Canada –– Canada’s flax prices are still holding strong enough to encourage an acreage increase this spring, despite concerns about slowing demand. Prices have held up even as shipping opportunities have started to slow down, as there’s a standoff between buyers and sellers, and supplies remain tight, said Mike Jubinville of ProFarmer Canada. Old-crop[...]
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More downside than upside for Prairie flaxseed bids
CNS Canada — Flaxseed prices remain strong in Western Canada, but that strength is relative and there are more bearish than bullish factors in the background which should weigh on values over the next few months. Spot flaxseed bids can currently be found in the $13-plus per bushel area, while new-crop is in the $11[...]
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Prairie flax prices strong as farmers sit on supplies
CNS Canada — Flax prices in Western Canada are staying strong, with a lack of significant farmer selling supporting the market. “It seems as though the farmers are just sitting on their inventory and not bringing it in, so the prices are moving up,” said Richard Zacharias, general manager of Prairie Flax Products near Portage[...]
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