Barley. (Doug Wilson photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Feed weekly outlook: Lack of overseas demand brings down prices

'It feels like for now, we've kind of bottomed out'

MarketsFarm — As the grain harvest wraps up in Western Canada, feed grain prices continued to move downward. However, harvest pressure was not the only reason for their declines. Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities at Moose Jaw, Sask. heard others say their crops were larger than anticipated — but there were additional factors adding pressure […] Read more

File photos of Yukon ranchland. (StockstudioX/iStock/Getty Images)

Prairie Forecast: Building western ridge to bring warming trend

Issued Oct. 4, covering Oct. 4-10

Last week’s weather forecast played out close to what the weather models were predicting. Western regions saw cooler-than-average temperatures move in, while eastern regions saw a brief return to summer-like temperatures. This pattern was a response to an area of low pressure that spun up over the central U.S. during the second half of the […] Read more


Manitoba’s incumbent NDP ag critic Diljeet Brar and Tory ag minister Derek Johnson appeared with Green Party leader Janine Gibson and Liberal candidate Neil Stewart (l-r) on Sept. 12, 2023 at a forum hosted by the Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters Association. (Manitoba Co-operator photo by Geralyn Wichers)

Manitoba legislature’s agriculture leaders to return under new management

NDP scores majority over incumbent Tories

Manitoba’s incumbent agriculture minister and lead opposition agriculture critic are headed back to the legislature — but under a new seating plan. Opposition leader Wab Kinew’s New Democrats are expected to form a majority government coming out of Tuesday’s provincial election, unseating incumbent premier Heather Stefanson’s Progressive Conservatives. Just after 1 a.m. Wednesday, NDP candidates […] Read more

File photo of black beans. (Nhattienphoto/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: ‘Average’ dry bean crop in Manitoba

Won't be close to last year's 'pretty phenomenal' crop

MarketsFarm — As Manitoba’s pulse harvest neared completion, a provincial pulse specialist says it will vary as to whether dry bean growers are satisfied with the result. Dennis Lange said that 96 per cent of Manitoba’s dry bean crop has already come off the field. In the central region, 97 per cent of its dry […] Read more


File photo of cattle in an Alberta feedlot. (Geralyn Wichers photo)

Klassen: Feeder market falters at record highs

Risk premiums in market seen eroding

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 to as much as $8 lower on average. Calf markets were relatively unchanged to $10 lower. There was moderate demand for top quality grass yearlings but plainer types experienced softer buying interest. Pre-conditioned calves held value but unweaned bawlers appear to set back $5-$10. Seasonally, […] Read more

File photo of Lake Winnipeg at Grand Beach Provincial Park. (IanChrisGraham/iStock/Getty Images)

Prairie Forecast Update: Wet weather for southern Manitoba, southeastern Saskatchewan

Update issued Oct. 2, covering Oct. 2-4

The strong area of low pressure that the weather models have been forecasting to impact the eastern half of the Prairies on Tuesday and Wednesday is starting to take shape. The latest model runs show the low pushing northward into western Manitoba early on Tuesday morning and then moving off toward northwestern Ontario by late […] Read more


File photo of autumn colours around Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. (Nancy Anderson/iStock/Getty Images)

Prairie Forecast: Summer tries to hang on

Issued Sept. 27, covering Sept. 27 to Oct. 4

For being this far into fall, the weather models have been surprisingly accurate. Heck, I didn’t even need to send an update for the last issue! Not sure if I can be as optimistic for this forecast period, as we are moving deeper into fall and starting to see the first hints of winter trying […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex

Major feedlots seen aggressive on quality calves

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged. Calf markets were steady to $5 higher on average, with stronger buying interest on preconditioned weaned steer calves. Light calves weighing under 500 lbs. appeared to jump $10-$20 in certain regions. This past week, focus of finishing feedlots switched from […] Read more


(File photo by Dave Bedard)

Market uncertainty, election weigh on Manitoba pork sector

Volatility remains a feature, Manitoba Pork GM says

MarketsFarm — Cam Dahl, general manager of Manitoba Pork, has felt the highs and lows of the province’s pork industry over the past few months. While he expects Manitoba’s feed grain harvest to provide some relief to feed prices for pork producers, Dahl also mentioned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the African swine fever situation in […] Read more

(Thinkstock photo)

Prairie cash wheat: Harvest pressure, falling U.S. futures weigh on bids

Canadian dollar up on the week

MarketsFarm — Spring wheat bids in Western Canada moved lower during the week ended Thursday, as seasonal harvest pressure and losses in U.S. futures weighed on values. Average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS, 13.5 per cent protein) wheat prices were down $5.30-$8 per tonne across the Prairies, according to price quotes from a cross-section of […] Read more