CNS Canada — If seeding delays persist this spring, sunflowers remain a crop that can be planted later on — but while there’s some talk of increased U.S. acres, they’re not seen to be as likely in Canada. North Dakota and some parts of South Dakota are experiencing delayed seeding of small-grain crops due to […] Read more
Wet weather not likely to spur more sunflower planting
West’s ranchers sending cattle out to pasture early
CNS Canada — The late spring has prompted many Prairie cattle owners to put their animals on pasture weeks ahead of schedule, according to three industry watchers. “They are probably three weeks early (in Alberta) compared to when they should be turning them out,” said forage specialist Barry Yaremcio at the provincial Ag-Info Centre at […] Read more
Prairies expected to stay cool in May
CNS Canada –– Over the next month, Prairie producers can expect to see more of the cool, wet weather that has afflicted much of Western Canada so far this spring, according to a weather expert. “We’ll keep a cooler bias relative to normal over these next few weeks. So the drying rates will be a […] Read more
Prairie farmland rentals seen holding steady, for now
CNS Canada — Farmland rental values in Western Canada appear to be holding steady this spring, according to three agricultural reps on the Prairies, but one analyst says prices could change by harvest time. Although 2013 saw a record harvest across the Prairies, that hasn’t translated into an uptick in rental prices, said James Bryan, […] Read more
Malting barley expected to see slow price surge
CNS Canada — A projected decrease in Canadian malt barley acreage in 2014 could lead to price increases by the spring of 2015, according to an analyst in Alberta. Darren Smith of RMI Analytics in Calgary said exports in the barley market have been fairly light recently, due to logistics problems gripping rail transportation — […] Read more
Mustard growers remain optimistic for 2014
CNS Canada — Despite a colder-than-normal spring, softening prices and uncertainty over Canada’s chief export rival, mustard growers continue to be enthusiastic about this year’s crop. Snowfall and excess moisture have delayed planting in many areas by at least a week, according to Patrick Ackerman, chairman of the Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission. “I’m 10 days […] Read more
Prairie feed barley prices nearing 2014 highs
CNS Canada — Lethbridge feed grain markets are trading at highs for the 2014 calendar year, and even starting to approach September prices, according to Jim Beusekom, grain broker at MarketPlace Commodities. “We’re at $190 to $195 per tonne for feed barley and feed wheat.” Road bans, the start of seeding and the logistics slowdown […] Read more
Prairie fertilizer supplies getting even more scarce
CNS Canada — A shutdown at Agrium’s nitrogen facility at Carseland, Alta. is threatening to slow down what was already a troubled shipping-schedule of fertilizer supplies across Western Canada. The N plant suffered a failure of its auxiliary boiler in late March. The facility isn’t expected to restart production until the second half of May. […] Read more
Rising crop volumes pose stiff challenges for exports
Winnipeg | CNS Canada — New strategies are going to be needed if Canada’s grain, pulse and oilseed crop sectors want to meet growing global food demand. That was one of the main themes circulating through the first day of presentations here at the inaugural Canadian Global Crops Symposium. Representatives from the pulse, canola, cereals […] Read more
Sunflowers seen enjoying another strong season
CNS Canada — Stable prices, generally good growing conditions and a mediocre harvest in Argentina have industry officials smiling at the prospects for this season’s Prairie sunflower crop. In late March, reports surfaced that some parts of Argentina were slightly damaged from dry weather late last year. The country is traditionally one of the world’s […] Read more
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