The Russia/Ukraine conflict will have the greatest effect on wheat, because these two countries account for 14 to 17 per cent of global production.

Grain markets reach historic highs in March

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will affect wheat prices the most moving forward

World grain and oilseed markets have incorporated a risk premium due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Ontario corn, soybean and wheat prices have made fresh historical highs during the first couple weeks of March. This rally comes on the heels of an extremely tight fundamental structure for Ontario grains and oilseeds. Ending stocks are […] Read more

CME June 2022 live cattle (green and red candlesticks) with 20-day moving average (black line) and December 2022 live cattle (dark red candlesticks). (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences volatility

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 higher to as much as $5 lower depending on the region. Mid-weight calves weighing 650-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while lighter weight calves were steady to $3 higher on average. June live cattle are off $9 from their mid-February highs while the December 2022 live […] Read more



Soybean markets poised to respond based on war footing

Soybean markets poised to respond based on war footing

Corn and soy supplies expect to hit historical lows at end of crop year

Editor’s note: This market analysis was mostly-prepared before the impact of the Russian invasion into Ukraine. As a result, many global commodities are in sway due to a multitude of unforeseen circumstances now in play. Statistics Canada released its Dec. 31 Stocks Report last month. This report is important because it confirms the production estimate […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market shows resilience

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Calves in the range of 600-800 lbs. traded steady to $4 higher. Calves under 600 lbs. were $1-$2 higher in Alberta and Saskatchewan but traded $2-$3 lower in Manitoba. Alberta feedlot operators appeared to shrug off the geopolitical events last […] Read more


(Murphy Shewchuk/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Weather factors influence calf prices

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4 lower to as much as $5 higher. Mid-weight feeder cattle traded relatively unchanged with strong demand noted on steers. Steer calves were firm, trading $2-$5 higher while heifer calves traded $4-$5 on either side of unchanged. The market was hard to define for calves and […] Read more

Larger than initially anticipated corn and soybean exports will likely occur due to lowered South American production estimates.

Risk premium factors in futures market for corn, soybeans

U.S. supply also tighter than anticipated

Two main factors are influencing Ontario corn and soybean prices. First, the futures markets are incorporating a risk premium due to uncertainty in South American production. Drier conditions in Argentina have lowered crop prospects for the row crops. Harvest is in the early stages in Brazil and yields are disappointing. We expect to see lower […] Read more




Demand for U.S. corn will keep the market strong until Brazil’s second corn crop is available for export in late May.

South American soybean production may cause market volatility

Corn prices remain high due to feed demand, wheat in seasonal low

Ontario corn prices are relatively unchanged from last month. All three pillars of corn demand are at seasonal highs. Ontario corn exports are running ahead of year-ago levels while strong energy prices support the year-over-year increase in ethanol production.  Cattle on feed inventories tend to peak during the winter. Ontario soybean crushers continue to show […] Read more