The Ontario growing season received average precipitation in June and July and temperatures were two to three degrees below normal. Crop conditions favour trend type yields for corn, soybeans and wheat. Winter wheat harvest is in full swing. The corn crop has passed through the critical pollination phase. The forecast for the first half of […] Read more
The 2021-22 crop year will go down in history as one of the most volatile
Some advice on market behaviour, and how it repeats because human behaviour never changes
Klassen: Light test of feeder cattle reflects hot demand
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; prices for mid-weight calves were $2 to $5 higher. Calves under 550 pounds were up $6 to $8 on average while feather light bawlers were up a sold $10 above week-ago levels. Weaker feed grain prices along with strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market experiences calm before upcoming storm
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged. Once again, overall volumes were limited, with small strings and singles moving through auction barns. The quality was quite variable and offbeat stragglers were quite common. Buyers incorporate a risk discount on these cattle; therefore, prices do not represent […] Read more
North American acreage surveys show increase in corn, soybean plantings
Average yields expected in Ontario due to dry weather
A large portion of the Ontario growing region received less the 40 per cent of normal precipitation between June 10 and July 10. Temperatures were 3 C below normal across Ontario. The monthly weather forecast for Ontario calls for below normal precipitation and normal temperatures. There is potential for yield drag on corn and soybeans. […] Read more
Klassen: Tighter fundamentals support feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $2 higher on average while calf markets were up $2-$4. There was an increase in activity over the past week, although many auction barns remain in holiday mode. Major feedlot operators in southern Alberta were extremely aggressive on yearlings fresh off grass and this […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market adjusts for lower barley prices
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices climbed $2-$4 on average. Calf markets were unchanged. For the second week in a row, the market was hard to define due to limited numbers on offer. Small packages under five head and single stragglers were common. Larger groups of green thin yearlings were well bid by […] Read more
Row crops off to a great start
Markets remain under pressure due to weather uncertainties and reduced export demand
There is an old saying, “the top in the market is in place when commodities make headline news.” On May 19, The Economist warned of mass hunger. Time magazine reported that millions of people are going to starve. The Guardian’s front-page headline on May 21 was “Apocalypse Now?” Chicago December corn futures made a high […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle trade at 52-week highs
New-crop feed grain values under pressure
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $2 higher with exceptional demand noted on steers over 700 pounds. Calf values were mixed in Alberta with markets trading $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; however, prices were steady to $4 higher in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Small groups of various quality characterized the feeder […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle trend higher, favourable beef outlook
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearlings traded $8 to as much as $12 higher; mid-weight feeders in the range of 700-800 pounds were also $8-10 higher. Calves under 700 pounds were unchanged to $6 higher. The feeder market took a fortuitous bounce last week. Major feedlots were extremely aggressive on yearlings while supplies were […] Read more
Wheat production is in good shape, but trade flows uncertain
Ensuring Russia can satisfy traditional wheat markets will take political will
Over the past 30 days, as of mid-June, the Ontario growing region received normal to above normal precipitation and temperatures were two to three degrees Celsius above average levels. In some cases, the northern regions received record rainfall. Corn, soybean and wheat crops are experiencing greenhouse conditions. At this stage of the growing season, we […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
