Feed weekly outlook: Several factors weighing on prices 

Warm weather means less feed needed, easier movement says analyst

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Published: January 4, 2024

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Glacier FarmMedia –– Feed grain prices across the Canadian Prairies are expected to continue falling back for the next few months due to a number of reasons, according to Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities in Saskatoon, Sask.  

“They have come down quite significantly over the past few months,” Peterson noted. 

Among the factors he listed as weighing on Western Canadian feed grain prices were cheaper United States corn imports, the lack of export demand for Canadian barley, the above normal temperatures across the region, and very few logistical issues so far this winter. 

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He pointed out that the feedlots have been using less feed due to the warmer than expected temperatures, and that lack of cold weather has meant it’s been much easier to move grain. 

Peterson said barley and corn were currently on par at C$305 per tonne delivered into Lethbridge, Alta.  

“Corn is keeping a lid on the feed side. This will be the trend for the next few months,” he commented but noted wheat was more pricey, at C$320 to C$325/tonne delivered into feedlot alley. 

While feed barley prices were steady during the first week of January, Prairie Ag Hotwire listed those have dropped C$2.07 to C$2.68 per bushel over the last 12 months. Barley fetched C$5.51 to C$5.75/bu. delivered in Manitoba, C$5.25 to C$5.75 in Saskatchewan, and C$5.12 to C$7.08 in Alberta. 

Feed wheat on the Prairies was steady to lower in early January, with Saskatchewan getting hit with a 50-cent drop, with prices at C$7.50 to C$8.38/bu. del. Those in Manitoba were unchanged at C$7.65/bu. It was the same for Alberta at C$6.80 to C$9.39/bu. Over the last year feed wheat across the Prairies has dropped C$2.99 to C$3.35/bu. 

Glen Hallick reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.

About the author

Glen Hallick

Glen Hallick

Reporter

Glen Hallick grew up in rural Manitoba near Starbuck, where his family farmed. Glen has a degree in political studies from the University of Manitoba and studied creative communications at Red River College. Before joining Glacier FarmMedia, Glen was an award-winning reporter and editor with several community newspapers and group editor for the Interlake Publishing Group. Glen is an avid history buff and enjoys following politics.

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