Washington | Reuters — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had instructed U.S. trade officials to consider US$100 billion in additional tariffs on China, fueling an already heated trade dispute between the world’s two biggest economies. Trump said in a statement the further tariffs were being considered “in light of China’s unfair retaliation” […] Read more
Trump proposes US$100 billion more in new tariffs on China
Downturn seen in organic markets for malt barley, hemp
CNS Canada — As organic producers look to clean out the 2017 crop from their bins before seeding, they’re finding lower prices than they’re willing to sell for. Contracts have been filled up, meaning some producers who were waiting for higher prices are out of luck with no options to sell their crops. Some buyers […] Read more
FCC sees benefits in new Trans-Pacific trade pact
CNS Canada — The future of trade for the Canadian agriculture industry is looking bright from the perspective of Canada’s federal ag lending agency, with progress on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). According to Farm Credit Canada (FCC), anytime Canada can get less-restricted access to markets it is good for agriculture. “We can […] Read more
OPEC announcement could boost ag markets, maybe
CNS Canada — The bearish malaise that has gripped the North American agricultural market shows no sign of breaking soon, and it could take a major disruption, say such as a hike in oil prices, to lead the way higher, according to some industry watchers. “Let’s say we go to US$55 (per barrel). That would […] Read more
Loonie tanks post-Brexit, but benefits minimal for farmers
CNS Canada — The Canadian dollar slipped after Britain voted Thursday to leave the European Union, a trend which one financial analyst expects to continue in an otherwise uncertain environment. But the loonie hasn’t fallen far enough to bring support to Canadian commodity markets. “Short-term, we’re going to be dealing with the day-to-day volatility and […] Read more
A quick and easy crystal ball? Popular books
Reading Time: < 1 minute Ever wonder if there’s a way to predict what’s going to happen in commodity markets? John DePutter has a quick and easy method that won’t cost you a cent. “Look at when oil was over $100 (a barrel),” the president of DePutter Publishing told attendees at FarmTech. “Books were on the shelves in Chapters saying the […] Read more
Hang on, market turbulence ahead
FarmTech: Currency wars, actual wars, China, ocean freight, Russia, and oil are just a few of the things roiling grain markets these days
Reading Time: 4 minutes Tough times are here to stay. This was the message that Errol Anderson delivered to a silent, sombre room during a session at FarmTech. “There is no sense kidding ourselves about what is going on,” said Anderson, a market analyst and president of ProMarket Communications. “What we’re going through right now is a correction. There’s […] Read more
Learn the ins and outs of grain grading with ‘Making the Grade’
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Barley, the Alberta Wheat Commission and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission are holding a one-day workshop on July 28 to help producers get the best grade for their grain. Making the Grade will be held at Olds College and include hands-on sessions from experienced industry speakers on barley, wheat, and canola grading and agronomy. […] Read more
Grain ‘trade’ at risk of low-balling U.S. soybean yields: Maguire
Chicago / Reuters – At 47.1 bushels an acre, last month’s soybean yield estimate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture was a new all-time high. And the average trader estimate for the USDA’s November projection is higher still, at 47.608 bushels. Even so, the long-term relationship between corn and soybeans suggests current soybean yields remain relatively […] Read more
Many ways to protect the price of your canola crop
Spring Price Endorsement, put options, and a variety of contracts with delivery commitments offer different benefits
Reading Time: 2 minutes Farmers should keep in mind the Spring Price Endorsement (SPE) to protect the price of this year’s canola crop, says Neil Blue, a market specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. The 2014 canola spring price under the SPE program from Agriculture Financial Services Corporation is $9.75 per bushel. “A payout under the SPE would […] Read more