Grain markets marched through the middle of February with most of the focus on three things: trade war negotiations between China and the U.S.; the potential for another U.S. government shutdown (and thus, no grain trade data again); and, continued digestion of the February WASDE report published by the USDA last week. All things considered,… Read More
The commodity markets have definitely been in a sideways pattern, with little movement in either direction up or down. This lack of action makes it difficult on farmers, and challenging for traders, and the broadcasters trying to cover the markets everyday. As people watch the lack of price moves — stagnated by uncertain trade deals,… Read More
Winter grower meetings are a good place to get in out of the cold, see some neighbours, and find out what’s new in agronomic research. It’s also a good time to get a bead on the markets – what should you be doing with the crop you just harvested and when should some of next… Read More
There’s a saying about beggars and choosers, but to call Canada’s durum customers beggars would be unfair. That said, Italy’s insistence of Country of Origin Labeling of durum that has edged Canada out of its market may ease — all in the name of quality. Cam Dahl, president of Cereals Canada, says it’s an interesting… Read More
Grain markets marched into the month of February without much fanfare, as wheat prices were the only thing to make positive gains since last Friday. Unfortunately, for Canadian readers, some of these gains were offset in the cash market by the fact the Canadian loonie gained nearly a full point (1% or 100 basis points)… Read More
Things are looking up for the barley market. That’s the message from the SaskBarley annual general meeting held recently during CropSphere at Saskatoon, Sask. “I think the industry has never been stronger. We’re seeing huge exports on the feed side going into China, we’re strengthening in the malt side, both domestically and globally, and we’ve… Read More
Selling a crop doesn’t have to be a full time job, nor does it have to be fraught with risk. Having a solid crop marketing plan requires some learning, a little work, and some time, but putting together the following five key tips could translate into tidy profits or reduced losses as you market what… Read More
Grain markets were mostly able to squeak some gains this week despite limited news, other than it looked like there would soon be an end to the U.S. government shutdown. However, pessimism in getting a deal to end the trade war between China and the U.S. kept gains in check, and actually kept corn prices… Read More
Chances are, if you like the look of old crop oat prices your neighbours do, too. And while the human consumption oat market is steady to increasing, Lorne Boundy, with Paterson Grain, cautions against counting on that to keep prices where they are. With old crop prices taking off and sitting around $4/bu in southern… Read More
Although the wheat market is often considered a stagnant one, it is in fact growing, says Marlene Boersch, owner of Mercantile Consulting Ventures. The market only seems stagnant because supplies have been growing as fast as demand. This may be changing, however, as Russia’s — one of the world’s largest wheat exporters — upward trend in production may… Read More
With so much uncertainty in the major soybean markets, canola prices continue their sideways movement, largely because the big trading funds are simply staying out of the market for now. Even if the U.S. and China resolve their trade issues, will we see a big uptick in the canola market? That remains to be seen,… Read More
Grain markets performed well on Friday, January 18th, to help them recover some losses from earlier in the week. Oats, corn, soybeans, and canola all made positive gains compared to the previous Friday, while wheat prices ultimately closed 0.5% lower for the week, despite gaining a few cents this Friday. Ultimately, grain prices continue to… Read More
How quickly the weather can turn, as just the beginning of this week the winter weather in Saskatchewan was mild — but by the end of the week, Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, was bundled up battling the deep freeze at the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference held in Regina. That’s where we kick off… Read More
When the RealAgriculture team attends major events, such as Crop Week in Saskatoon, we like to get together and compare some notes on the event. Sometimes we do a wrap up, and sometimes we make lists, because who doesn’t like a good list? This week Shaun, Jessika, and Dale were all in Saskatoon to take… Read More
Price fluctuations, higher input costs, and weather-related challenges over the past year took a toll on Canadian net cash income in 2018, and that lower to flat income is projected to continue into 2019, says agriculture economist J.P. Gervais. The chief agricultural economist for Farm Credit Canada says that, even so, the overall the long-term… Read More