(Dave Bedard photo)

Canola declines, durum drops in new StatsCan estimates

Soybean, oats estimates raised

MarketsFarm — There were very few surprises in Statistics Canada’s latest principal field crop production estimates released Friday — the first in 2021-22 to use a survey of producers. Nevertheless, they quantified just how severe last summer’s drought was in Western Canada. Canola production for the 2021-22 marketing year was estimated to be 12.595 million […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Smaller crops likely in StatsCan survey-based report

MarketsFarm — Mindful of the summer drought conditions that seriously cut into crop production across the Prairies, average trade estimates call for downward revisions to Statistics Canada’s already-small forecasts for most crops when the it releases its first survey-based estimates of the marketing year on Friday. While prior reports, in September and August, were compiled […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Prairie grains remain firm

Transport issues slow U.S. corn flow

MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices in Western Canada remain strong in late November, although looming corn imports from the U.S. should keep a lid on the upside. Feed barley in Alberta is currently topping out at $9.78 per bushel, with feed wheat above $12 in some cases, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. Those prices remain […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Fed cattle prices down on the week

Compared to last week, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were down $4 to $6 on average. Sub quality feeders traded as much as $8 below week ago levels. The market was hard to define with wide price ranges on similar weight feeders within a short distance. Southern Alberta is contending with adverse pen conditions as […] Read more

Standing corn north of St. Adolphe, Man. on Sept. 19, 2021. (Dave Bedard photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Record imports of U.S. corn likely

Feeders will need to scale back barley usage

MarketsFarm — Canadian imports of corn from the United States are picking up and could hit a record this year, given the tight supply situation across the Prairies. The most recent export sales data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed Canada as the country’s largest corn customer during the week ended Nov. 11, accounting […] Read more

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Klassen: Feeder market continues downward slide

Prairies' snowstorm leads to risk discount

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $2 lower; calves traded $2-$4 below week-ago levels. Saskatchewan and Manitoba experienced their first major snowstorm of the season last week. The market tends to incorporate a risk discount for adverse weather as buyers factor in higher death loss. Also, major feedlot operators believe […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley, wheat prices among highest ever

MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices continue to push higher following a somewhat disappointing harvest on the Prairies this year, according to Glen Loyns, general manager of JGL Commodities at Moose Jaw, Sask. “We’re seeing upticks on all feed. Everything is up. You’re seeing high prices on wheat and barley. And you’re going to continue to […] Read more

(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