Grain markets worked through the third week of March with weather headlines drowning most of the Chinese trade issues in the U.S., but it was the opposite in Canada. In outside markets, global stocks and bond yields fell on Friday as fresh data points have amplified some thinking about a weakening world economy. On Thursday,… Read More
At a time when farmers are hammering out final crop plans, ranchers and feedlot operators are also looking ahead to ration formulations ahead of the first new-crop harvests. To get a sense of western feed markets, RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney invited Jim Beusekom, president of Market Place Commodities Ltd., on stage at the recent TechTourLIVE… Read More
Grain markets were able to climb off the lows this week as some bullish factors have started to come into play, as well as some technical relief. To start off, after the largest funds’ net short position since January 2018 helped test new contract lows last week, corn prices have picked up their socks a… Read More
Grain markets were served up a monthly WASDE report on Friday, March 8th, but the numbers didn’t bring any new bullish feelings to the table. Most of the numbers that the USDA produced were either pretty close to their February WASDE number, or the pre-report estimate (which, as you can tell for yourself below, were… Read More
When news announcers talk about “geo-political uncertainty,” or “bi-lateral trade disputes,” it all seems quite remote from the lives of most people. For Canadian farmers, though, it often hits very close to home because the overwhelming majority of Canadian agricultural production is exported. This is why when news that one of the Canada’s largest agriculture… Read More
The Canadian canola industry was dealt a serious blow this week, and as the dust settles, farmers and industry are wondering if this is could be the first volley in a impending trade war. Reuters is reporting China has canceled Richardson International Ltd.’s registration to ship canola to the country. This is according to documents obtained… Read More
Flipping the calendar at this time of year is less about leaving something behind and more about looking ahead — in this case, it’s on to planting and seeding. For areas of the southern U.S., time is already ticking and wet conditions are holding back planting, even while farmers in Ontario and parts of the… Read More
Grain markets this week were mostly lower on a technical sell-off and a lack of bullish headlines to push things higher. After starting the week out in the green, the complex flipped the calendar into March on some fresh multi-month lows. Digging in corn prices, were the best performer, only losing about 10 cents in… Read More
Every year in February, ag policy wonks, market followers, and politicians gather in Washington, D.C., for the USDA Outlook Forum. Not only does USDA release its forecasts for acres and production numbers, but the conversations also fill the hallways. Most years, the focus is on the fundamentals, but with so many trade patterns very cloudy… Read More
Grain markets finished their third week of trading in February — one shortened by a day because of national holidays in Canada and the U.S. — on a strong note, namely because of positive announcements from American-Chinese trade war talks. While the week started out rather weak, especially in the wheat complex, Friday’s announcement that China has… Read More
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