Feed weekly outlook: Prairie barley market still strong

Availability of trucks remains an issue

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Published: September 29, 2022

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(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

MarketsFarm — The feed barley market remains strong despite the influx of freshly harvested supplies, with little competition from other feed sources.

“The markets have been coming up steadily, with what feels like no harvest pressure,” said Suzanne Leclerc, owner of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton.

“People were hoping the market would get lower and didn’t purchase, because they were hoping to see more harvest pressure,” said Leclerc.

However, that didn’t happen “and they caught themselves where they were short and needed to pay up to get (supplies).”

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The weaker Canadian dollar and strength in Chicago corn futures mean that corn imports from the U.S. are no longer a cheap option, she added. A good-quality Canadian wheat crop has also cut into feed wheat supplies.

The lack of cheaper feed alternatives should leave little reason for barley prices to go lower, according to Leclerc, especially with the grain harvest nearing completion across Western Canada.

However, continued issues with the availability of trucking were something to watch.

Leclerc noted that while prices may be rising in the key feeding area of Lethbridge, the trucking rates are also going up. She recommended that anyone who needs to move grain should book their transportation in advance, given the difficulties getting trucks.

— Phil Franz-Warkentin reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.

About the author

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Editor - Daily News

Phil Franz-Warkentin grew up on an acreage in southern Manitoba and has reported on agriculture for over 20 years. Based in Winnipeg, his writing has appeared in publications across Canada and internationally. Phil is a trusted voice on the Prairie radio waves providing daily futures market updates. In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing music and making art.

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