Feed weekly outlook: Markets steady amid cold Alberta weather

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Published: February 14, 2019

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Excessively cold temperatures in Alberta may be causing headaches for both feed grain buyers and sellers, but prices remain relatively steady for what’s moving.

The cold weather hasn’t really led to a significant increase in demand, but “it’s definitely made the farmer grumpy,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities in Lacombe, Alta.

“In general, the feed grain markets remain relatively flat,” he said, noting grain was still moving as adjustments were made for the weather.

While a solid export program and tight barley supplies were supportive for prices, large corn shipments continue to come up from the U.S., keeping the barley market steady.

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Varied precipitation and warm temperatures were generally beneficial for crop development across Alberta during the week ended July 8, according to the latest provincial crop report released July 11.

Corn is steady as well, with activity in the U.S. futures and Canadian dollar typically balancing each other out.

Motz estimated there was probably as much corn going into rations as wheat and barley combined.

“Corn is definitely a real player; the question is, does that continue as we move into spring?” he asked.

“There seems to be lots (of corn) available, so as long as those trains can keep getting filled down south and the elevators can handle the transload, we can keep going,” he added.

Looking ahead to the spring, the tight barley situation and relatively solid prices “could buy a few acres,” according to Motz.

— Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for MarketsFarm, a Glacier FarmMedia division specializing in grain and commodity market analysis and reporting.

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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