Indications point to a rise in malt barley acres in 2019, the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre says. (Dave Bedard photo)

Malt barley acreage predicted to increase

MarketsFarm — Industry experts expect malt barley acreage in Western Canada to increase by about five per cent this year, supported by strong prices for both feed and malt. “All indications suggest we’ll see an increase in malt barley, as well as feed,” confirmed Peter Watts of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre. In light […] Read more

(File photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley prices correct off recent highs

MarketsFarm — Feed markets in Western Canada have softened slightly following a jump in prices earlier this month. Nelson Neumann, a grain trader for Agfinity, said barley supply was tight earlier in the month as buyers rushed to secure their feed before spring road bans, seeding season and poor weather conditions hampered deliveries. “We saw […] Read more


The Chicago Board of Trade building on May 28, 2018. (Harmantasdc/iStock Editorial/Getty Images)

CBOT weekly outlook: Markets at mercy of weather

MarketsFarm — Traders are bracing for more inclement weather to hit the U.S. Midwest, which in turn could rock commodities. Springtime floods and adverse weather have impacted the majority of the U.S. Plains and Midwest, and those regions expect another snow system before the end of March. Flooding may delay planting dates, causing farmers to […] Read more

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Mustard area remains a question mark for 2019

MarketsFarm –– As the world’s largest producer of mustard seed, Canada exported 112,000 tonnes in 2017-18 — and the jury is out on whether mustard acreage will rise, fall or hold this spring. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s outlook for principal field crops, published Thursday, called for mustard acreage to remain the same as in previous […] Read more

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China’s battle against Canadian canola looms over soy

MarketsFarm — As headlines are transfixed with China’s ongoing dispute with Canada, some are concerned soybeans will receive the same treatment as canola. “We’ll still use quite a few soybeans in this country as it is,” said Dale McManus, a grain broker with Johnston’s Grain at Welwyn, Sask. However, he clarified, “everything you’re watching about […] Read more


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CBOT weekly outlook: African swine fever paralyzes futures

MarketsFarm — Ahead of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s next crop report due out March 29, market experts are looking to headlines for direction in the Chicago futures. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin return to China next week, with the goal of hammering out a trade deal in weeks to […] Read more

Pinto beans. (Vergani_Fotografia/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Edible beans on move

MarketsFarm — Following a lengthy 2018 harvest, Manitoba’s edible bean farmers are optimistic about the 2019 growing season. According to an outlook report published in late December by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, pulse farmers are expected to plant approximately the same amount of acreage as seen in 2018. However, after strong yields in 2018, Manitoba […] Read more

A submerged bridge over the Red River in 2011. (IanChrisGraham/iStock/Getty Images)

Manitoba farmers unfazed by flood reports

MarketsFarm — As experts forecast a spring flood to hit southern Manitoba, farmers in the Red River Valley won’t be caught off guard. Manitoba’s Emergency Measures Organization held flood preparedness seminars in Morris, Brandon, and Selkirk throughout the week of March 11. Topics covered included the forecast, flood outlook, preparedness and response and disaster financial […] Read more


CBOT May 2019 corn, with May 2019 soybeans in yellow. (Barchart)

CBOT weekly outlook: Time running out for trade talks

MarketsFarm — As trade talks between the U.S. and China continue, many are watching headlines closely for hints of what’s to come. The crop commodity market “has been in a downslide for a long time which is mainly due to U.S. and China trade uncertainties,” said Scott Capinegro of Barrington Commodity Brokers. “It always sounds […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan)

Canary seed holds steady despite food adoption hopes

MarketsFarm — Expectations for canary seed to break beyond birdseed into the food market haven’t yet translated to substantially higher prices for the crop. Canary seed was designated safe for human consumption in 2016, after which Saskatchewan’s then-agriculture minister Lyle Stewart predicted acreage dedicated to the crop would increase as it was incorporated into more […] Read more