Feed barley bids steady, little change expected

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Published: March 11, 2010

(Resource News International) — Cash barley bids in Western Canada remain stable, with end-users only buying on a hand-to-mouth basis and ample competing feed stocks keeping prices well contained.

Cash bids in the key Lethbridge, Alta. cattle feeding area can currently be found in the $135 to $139 per tonne area, according to the latest prices put out by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission.

That works out to a price of around $3 per bushel, a level below which most producers are reluctant to sell, according to a feed grains broker.

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While a lack of grower selling on any moves lower should keep prices supported, the broker also said there was also little reason for prices to go higher.

Excess durum supplies were making their way into feed rations, displacing some of the barley, he noted. Corn-based dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from the U.S. ethanol sector were also keeping a lid on barley prices.

While the upside in barley is limited, the market is going into spring-road ban season, which can slow the country movement and occasionally provide some support for prices, the broker added.

About the author

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Editor - Daily News

Phil Franz-Warkentin grew up on an acreage in southern Manitoba and has reported on agriculture for over 20 years. Based in Winnipeg, his writing has appeared in publications across Canada and internationally. Phil is a trusted voice on the Prairie radio waves providing daily futures market updates. In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing music and making art.

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