winter Archives | Alberta Farmer Express

Forecast probability of above-normal precipitation for the period from December 2020 through February 2021. (Environment Canada)

Seasonal forecast calls for more snow

MarketsFarm — Most of Canada should see above-normal snowfall over the next three months, according to updated seasonal forecasts released Monday from Environment Canada. Weather maps show a 40 to 60 per cent probability of more precipitation than normal across much of the country from December through February, with the heaviest accumulations expected in Quebec. […] Read more

Barley, Crops, Markets

Feed weekly outlook: Feedlots booking for winter underpin bids

By Marlo Glass – MarketsFarm, GFM Network News October 22, 2020

MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices have been strong following Western Canada’s harvest, as feedlots ensure they’re covered heading into the winter. “Last week there was some buying in the deferred months, from January onward,” Allen Pirness of Market Place Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. said. Pirness said the strong prices were unexpected, noting that when prices […] Read more

Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the southern Pacific for the week centred on Sept, 30, 2020. (CPC.ncep.noaa.gov)

General, Weather

La Nina to bring colder, drier winter

By Glen Hallick - MarketsFarm, GFM Network News October 5, 2020

MarketsFarm — There’s a La Nina poised to exert influence on the coming North American winter, according to Drew Lerner, senior agricultural meteorologist for World Weather Inc. in Kansas. A La Nina generates colder-than-normal temperatures, as opposed to the warm temperatures garnered from an El Nino. Both weather phenomenon can be found over the Pacific […] Read more

Sea surface temperature anomalies over the equatorial Pacific Ocean for the week centred on July 1, 2020. (CPC.ncep.noaa.gov)

General, Reuters, Weather

U.S. forecaster says La Nina expected to develop in fall 2020

By Reuters, GFM Network News July 9, 2020

Reuters — A U.S. government weather forecaster on Thursday forecast the development of a La Nina pattern during the August-October season, which is expected to persist through the remainder of 2020. There is about 50-55 per cent chance of La Nina developing during the Northern Hemisphere fall, with a 50 per cent chance it will […] Read more

Chickpeas in India. (Nikhil Patil/iStock/Getty Images)

Crops, Markets, Pulses, Weather

Pulse weekly outlook: Conditions optimal for India’s winter crops

By Marlo Glass – MarketsFarm, GFM Network News March 3, 2020

MarketsFarm — Cold weather in key growing regions of India could indicate high production levels for winter pulse crops. Heavy showers and colder temperatures in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh created “ideal conditions” for winter-sown pulses, according to India’s agriculture commissioner SK Malhotra. Malhotra explained that the output of the winter-grown pulse crops will likely […] Read more

A thin cow will need an extra 1,400 pounds of hay just to stay warm over the winter.

Livestock, News

There are extra challenges in wintering cows this year

Early weaning, supplement feed, and feeding vitamins earlier should be considered

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry November 21, 2019

Reading Time: 2 minutes With feed quality and quantity “all over the map this year,” producers face challenges weaning calves and maintaining cows, says a provincial beef and forage specialist. “If calves were not provided with creep feed over the summer, weaning weights will be lower than in most years — as much as 150 pounds per animal,” said […] Read more

A submerged bridge over the Red River in 2011. (IanChrisGraham/iStock/Getty Images)

Crops, Weather

Manitoba farmers unfazed by flood reports

By Marlo Glass – MarketsFarm March 15, 2019

MarketsFarm — As experts forecast a spring flood to hit southern Manitoba, farmers in the Red River Valley won’t be caught off guard. Manitoba’s Emergency Measures Organization held flood preparedness seminars in Morris, Brandon, and Selkirk throughout the week of March 11. Topics covered included the forecast, flood outlook, preparedness and response and disaster financial […] Read more

Barley, Corn, Crops, Markets, Spring Wheat, Weather

Feed weekly outlook: Markets steady amid cold Alberta weather

By Phil Franz-Warkentin - MarketsFarm February 14, 2019

Excessively cold temperatures in Alberta may be causing headaches for both feed grain buyers and sellers, but prices remain relatively steady for what’s moving. The cold weather hasn’t really led to a significant increase in demand, but “it’s definitely made the farmer grumpy,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities in Lacombe, Alta. “In general, the […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market starts year with cautious tone

By Jerry Klassen January 8, 2019

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged to slightly softer compared to mid-December. The market was lightly tested, with direct off farm to feedlot trade, but auction market activity was rather quiet. Winter conditions in southern Alberta caused buyers to be on the defensive, with lighter calves reflecting small discounts; however, vaccinated feeders on […] Read more

Average sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the Pacific Ocean for the week centred on Dec. 5. (CPC.ncep.noaa.gov)

General, Reuters, Weather

U.S. forecaster sees 90 per cent chance of El Nino in winter

By Reuters December 13, 2018

Reuters — There is a 90 per cent chance of the El Nino weather pattern emerging during the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2018-19, a U.S. government weather forecaster said on Thursday. “The official forecast favours the formation of a weak El Nino,” the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) said in a monthly forecast. […] Read more

Canada left with very tight canola, barley stocks

U.S. grains: Corn, soy futures hit multi-year highs on supply fears

U.S. livestock: CME cattle futures up on beef prices, demand

GFM Network News