(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market on soft slope

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $2 lower on average while calves traded steady to as much as $4 lower in certain regions; calves under 550 pounds were quoted $3-$6 below week-ago levels. Barley and wheat prices continue to percolate higher, causing a defensive sentiment amongst buyers. Southern Alberta and […] Read more

After denying he had a drinking problem, Devin Dreeshen drew more criticism for posting this picture on social media. Critics said perching his iPad on a drinks cooler wasn’t amusing and others pointed to what appears to be a wine bottle under the desk on the right-hand side of the photo. Dreeshen resigned as ag minister Nov. 5.  Photo: Twitter

Alberta ag minister resigns among allegations of heavy drinking

Admitting he has a problem with alcohol, Devin Dreeshen resigned as Alberta’s minister of agriculture and forestry this morning. He has been replaced by Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner. “This morning, I offered Premier Jason Kenney my resignation as minister of agriculture and forestry and he has accepted,” Dreeshen said on Twitter on Nov. 5. “I […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market grinds lower

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were down $2-$5 while calves dropped by $3 to as much as $8. We’re now seeing some medium-quality calves weighing around 550 lbs. sell under the psychological $200 level in central Alberta. The market is lacking demand. Feedlot inventories are running 33 per cent above the five-year […] Read more

Yellow peas. (Victoria Popova/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Yellow peas selling at a premium

Local fractionation markets competitive

MarketsFarm –– Last summer’s lacklustre pea harvest in Western Canada has helped raise prices, but none more so than those of yellow peas. Yellow peas were trading at a high-delivered bid of $17.50 per bushel, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire data from Monday, up $1.50 from the same time last month and $9.50 from the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market reflects softer sentiment

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 lower; calves over 700 lbs. appeared to hold value; calves weighing less than 700 lbs. were down $3 to as much as $5. The yearling run is basically finished. Ontario buying interest was supportive in the eastern Prairie regions due to the bumper corn crop; […] Read more

Minneapolis (MGEX) December 2021 wheat (candlesticks) with Bollinger bands (20,2). (Barchart)

Prairie cash wheat: CWRS bids up with U.S. futures

However, a strong loonie applies pressure

MarketsFarm — Minneapolis spring wheat futures climbed to contract highs during the week ended Thursday, which provided spillover support for Canadian cash bids. However, strength in the Canadian dollar was a bearish influence, tempering the upside in the cash market. Average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS, 13.5 per cent protein) wheat prices were up by […] Read more

(Andreus/iStock/Getty Images)

Hay-starved Prairies fertile ground for online scammers

At least $64,000 lost in Alberta alone, RCMP says

High demand, scarce supplies and rising prices for hay and other feeds due to this summer’s drought on the Prairies have made a market for online scammers, RCMP warn. The urgency driving such transactions may cause ranchers, farmers and farm workers to make purchases “without taking time to properly verify or research production sources,” Alberta […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Demand for feeder cattle eases

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were down $3-$5; calves traded $2-$6 below week-ago levels. The market has come under pressure for three main reasons. Cattle on feed inventories in Alberta and Saskatchewan are 36 per cent above the five-year average. Many feedlots are comfortable with ownership levels. The drought caused about 150,000 […] Read more

(Thinkstock photo)

Prairie cash wheat: Bids rise with U.S. futures

MarketsFarm — Cash wheat bids across Western Canada moved higher during the week ended Thursday in sympathy with U.S. futures markets. The strength came despite a firmer tone in the Canadian dollar. Average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS, 13.5 per cent protein) wheat prices were up by $11.40-$14.90 per tonne, according to price quotes from […] Read more