CBOT December 2020 corn with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Corn, soy rise on export hopes

Wheat futures dip on profit taking

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Board of Trade corn and soybean futures rose on Wednesday, as concerns about dry conditions in key global production areas of South America boosted export prospects for both U.S. commodities. Strength in the cash market also supported gains in corn and soybean futures, traders said. CBOT soft red winter wheat […] Read more



MGEX December 2020 wheat (candlesticks) compared against CBOT December 2020 wheat (orange line). (Barchart)

CBOT weekly outlook: Export demand supports wheat, soy

Lower U.S. dollar also supportive

MarketsFarm — Strong global demand, paired with concerns of dry growing conditions in key regions, has spurred U.S. wheat prices higher. “Some countries are getting nervous with the persistent dryness in several regions, which could reduce the supply of quality global wheat,” said Terry Reilly of Futures International in Chicago. Dry growing conditions in Ukraine, […] Read more

BHP’s Saskatchewan potash mine project is set up north of Jansen, about 65 km southeast of Humboldt. (BHP.com)

BHP covers added costs for potash project

Long-awaited decision by BHP board now expected mid-2021

“Challenges” in completing the shafts for its Saskatchewan potash project have led the world’s biggest mining company to top up the project budget by 10 per cent. BHP, in an operational review document released Tuesday for its quarter ending Sept. 30, said its board has approved another $272 million to complete the watertight concrete and […] Read more


(WPohlDesign/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Weather, COVID, feed grains pressure feeder market

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 lower on average; calves traded $2 to as much as $6 below week-ago levels. Southern Alberta received its first snowfall of the season last week, which hindered demand for fresh replacements. Feedlots always incorporate a risk discount when the first snowfall of the year materializes, […] Read more

A wireworm in a potato in close-up. (MegaV0lt/iStock/Getty Images)

Wireworms a target for first Group 30 insecticide in Canada

BASF picks up registration for two broflanilide products

The list of insecticides cleared for use in Canadian crops now includes its first Group 30 chemistry, as BASF makes plans to launch it in new wireworm control products next year. BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions on Monday announced approval from Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for broflanilide, a GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator. […] Read more


Pinto beans. (Vergani_Fotografia/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Manitoba’s edible beans come off in good shape

MarketsFarm — Manitoba’s edible bean harvest wrapped up in much easier fashion in 2020 compared to the snow delays of the previous year, with relatively good quality and yields, according to early indications. “When you don’t get a major snowstorm on Thanksgiving weekend, it makes a difference,” said Manitoba Agriculture pulse specialist Dennis Lange, noting […] Read more

CBOT November 2020 soybeans with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Soybeans, corn rise on exports

CBOT December wheat extends rally

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. corn and soybean futures rose on Tuesday on strong export demand while wheat firmed on concerns that dry weather could limit global production, traders said. Soybean futures rose one per cent, with traders shrugging off some much-needed rain in Brazil due to the strong pace of overseas buying. “The grains […] Read more


CME February 2021 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: Hogs fall on profit-taking, cattle firm on bargain buying

Concerns for beef demand still drag on cattle futures

Chicago | Reuters — CME livestock futures were mixed on Tuesday, with hog contracts falling on a round of profit taking while cattle contracts firmed on bargain buying. The benchmark December lean hog contract faced pressure after hitting its highest since Sept. 13, 2019, while February live cattle, which had fallen for four days in […] Read more

BMO in May 2020 announced an agreement to sell its 107-year-old downtown Winnipeg building to the Manitoba Metis Federation for use as a new Metis Nation Heritage Centre. (File photo by Dave Bedard)

BMO regroups ag banking business

Ag-focused national banking team put in place

With COVID-19 serving to “accelerate” changes in the industry, BMO Bank of Montreal says it has reset its farm banking work under the oversight of an expanded national agriculture and agribusiness banking team. BMO announced the new team approach Oct. 14, describing it as “a national team of agriculture banking specialists — team members with […] Read more