Barley. (Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley demand, prices rise

Downside risk seen in June, July

MarketsFarm — After months of declining prices, one trader is now seeing a “pop” in the feed barley market. Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities at Saskatoon explained that logistics issues caused transportation delays for barley and resulted in feedlots ordering more than they needed last fall — but by the time spring came around, demand […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Demand surges for grass cattle

Barley, corn expected to be cheaper next fall

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Certain auction markets did not have sales due to the shortened holiday week. Adverse weather also shuttered some sales on Wednesday and Thursday in the eastern Prairie region. Southern Alberta feedlots are contending with poor pen conditions which may […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley prices still historically high, but face headwinds

Bulk corn delivery remains more convenient

MarketsFarm — Feed barley bids in Western Canada remain historically strong, despite easing off their highs over the past month and trending lower. With bids of around $410 per tonne into the Lethbridge feedlot alley, feed barley “is still a sell,” according to Mike Jubinville of MarketsFarm, speaking on a webinar. However, he noted there […] Read more

(Thinkstock photo)

Prairie cash wheat: Bids drift lower

U.S. wheat futures down on week

MarketsFarm — Spring wheat bids in Western Canada softened during the week ended Wednesday, as choppiness in U.S. futures and strength in the Canadian dollar weighed on values. Average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS, 13.5 per cent protein) wheat prices were down by $1.60-$6.90 per tonne across the Prairies, according to price quotes from a […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Alberta fed cattle lead feeder market higher

Traders expecting more barley acres this year

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5 higher while calf prices advanced $1-$3 on average. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis of $360/cwt last week, up $3-$10 from a week earlier. Using a 60 per cent grading, live prices would be equivalent to $216. Feeding margins have improved […] Read more

(Thinkstock photo)

Prairie cash wheat: Reds higher, durum dips

U.S. wheat futures up on the week

MarketsFarm — Wheat prices on the Canadian Prairies saw modest increases in the red spring varieties during the week ended Thursday, while durum stepped back. Significant gains in the U.S. wheat complex spilled over into Canadian cash prices, but stronger Canadian dollar tempered further increases. Ongoing concerns about dry conditions in the U.S., especially the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Prices continue to soften as April approaches

Seeding start in Alberta remains a question mark

MarketsFarm — Corn is still moving into feedlots in southern Alberta as it approaches not only the end of its contracts, but also the end of winter. “We’ve been seeing here in Lethbridge prices at $395-$400 per tonne ($10.03-$10.16 per bushel),” said Erin Harakal, trade manager at Agfinity Inc. at Stony Plain, Alta. “It seems […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market eyes feed grain complex

Downside expected in new-crop barley prices

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $2 higher on average. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $353-$357/cwt delivered last week, up from the average price of $348/cwt delivered seven days earlier. Strength in the fed cattle market continues to support the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Stronger fed cattle market pulls feeders upward

Feedlots becoming more current with production

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling and calf markets were quoted steady to $5 higher on average. Strength was noted in southern Alberta. In the Lethbridge area, prices for lighter flesh replacements were up as much as $10 from seven days earlier. Larger supplies of backgrounded cattle are coming on the market at this […] Read more

(Thinkstock photo)

Prairie cash wheat: Red spring wheats gain ground, durum dips

U.S. futures, Canadian dollar up on week

MarketsFarm — Wheat prices on the Canadian Prairies saw upticks in the red spring varieties during the week ended Thursday, while durum stepped back a little. A strong upswing in the U.S. wheat complex lent support to Canadian cash prices, but a slightly higher dollar tempered further increases. There’s continued dryness in the U.S., especially […] Read more