Small-bale grazing with intercrop regrowth at the MBFI Johnson Farm.

Diversifying the tool kit for grazing annual forages

For the 2021 field season at Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives (MBFI), we were impressed by the outcomes of management tools for diverse annual forages to extend grazing through fall and into winter. At both farm stations, the Brookdale Farm and Johnson Farm, we showcase fields grown for general farm operations to support the research […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Prices steady, but changes coming

Feedlots moving to full corn rations

MarketsFarm — With feed barley and wheat supplies on the verge of running out, prices remain firm, according to Mike Fleischhauer of Eagle Commodities in Lethbridge. “They’re on the positive side of stationary,” he said, noting prices could soon change following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday. “With what’s going on with Ukraine and […] Read more



(Dave Bedard photo)

Adjustments minor in latest AAFC crop balance sheets

MarketsFarm — Only minor adjustments to the old- and new-crop balance sheets were reported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in their February supply/demand report, released Friday. New-crop production estimates were left unchanged for all of the major grains, oilseeds and pulses, with a return to average yields across the Prairies expected to lead to increased […] Read more



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

Feed weekly outlook: Corn seeing higher prices, transportation delays

MarketsFarm — Corn has become the primary feed grain in Alberta feedlots due to its lower price compared to barley and wheat. However, rising corn prices in the U.S. and transportation issues are causing some buyers to give pause. “Basic levels are a little bit stronger. (Add in) the exchange rate, there are a little […] Read more


(Xinzheng/Getty Images)

China blocks Lithuanian beef, dairy, beer as Taiwan row grows

Canada seeks to join EU trade case against China

Beijing/Vilnius | Reuters — China suspended imports of beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania’s veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation’s relations with Taiwan. China’s General Administration of Customs had informed the country it was halting the exports due to “lack of documentation,” the […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

StatsCan confirms tight grain and oilseed stocks

Canadian corn stocks up on year

MarketsFarm — Canada’s tight supplies of canola, wheat and other crops following the 2021 Prairie drought received more confirmation from Statistics Canada with the release of updated stocks data on Tuesday. Canola stocks, as of Dec. 31, 2021, of 7.6 million tonnes were down 43 per cent from the previous year and the tightest since […] Read more


Photo: File

Feed grain outlook

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

I’ve received many inquiries from feedlot operators and cow-calf producers regarding the feed grain outlook for 2022. Barley prices continue to trade near historical highs. Western Canadian imports of U.S. corn are also poised to set a record during the 2021-22 crop year. Given the higher prices for corn and barley in Western Canada, feeder […] Read more

A supplied aerial photo of vehicles blocking through traffic on Feb. 1, 2022 at the Canada-U.S. border crossing between Coutts, Alta. and Sweet Grass, Montana. (Photo courtesy Alberta RCMP)

Feed weekly outlook: Alberta blockade affects feed grain deliveries

MarketsFarm — A truck blockade at a Canada-U.S. border crossing at Coutts, Alta. has caused some headaches for grain buyers in southern parts of the province. Since Saturday, commercial trucks and other vehicles have blocked Highway 4, a 103-km stretch which runs from the border to Lethbridge, to protest COVID-19 health measures. On the U.S. […] Read more