(Dave Bedard photo)

StatsCan confirms smaller canola crop

MarketsFarm — Statistics Canada’s first production estimates for the 2019-20 crop, released Wednesday, were generally in line with expectations, although upward revisions are likely in subsequent reports. The agency’s production of principal field crops report was “bang on with expectations across the board,” according to Ken Ball of PI Financial in Winnipeg. While both the

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market recovers

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4-$6 higher on average; some packages in Alberta sold $8 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. Larger feedlot operations were very aggressive on 750- to 900-pounders. The quality of yearlings is excellent at this time of year. Comments from the front row suggest most


(Dave Bedard photo)

StatsCan production report may show stronger yields

MarketsFarm — A challenging growing season across the Prairies has left questions in the market ahead of Statistics Canada’s production report, due out Wednesday. “It’s hard to get a handle on canola this year because, at this stage, the farmers are going to be a bit conservative and err on the side of caution,” said

Barley south of Ethelton, Sask. on July 30, 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Old-, new-crop barley prices converge

MarketsFarm — Feed grains prices have been softening as old-crop and new-crop prices converge during harvest. Tracy Green, a grain broker with Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton, said Feedlot Alley is “well-covered” and waiting for harvest. However, buyers in central Alberta are seeing prices around $237 delivered for old-crop barley. For deliveries into Lethbridge for


Yvonne Lawley talks cover crops during Crops-A-Palooza in Carberry in July.  
photos: Alexis Stockford

Calculating a good cover crop plan

Set yourself up for success when it comes to cover crops

Farmers will need more than a cursory plan to reap the benefit of cover crops in the Keystone province. Cover crops have gained their champions in Manitoba. The practice is cited among other alternative grazing strategies like bale or swath grazing to extend the grazing season and, arguably, improve soil, according to livestock and forage

Grasshoppers on the move, canola swathing widespread in preparation of harvest

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 20

Southwest Region Rain and cooler temperatures have delayed swathing in late seeded canola and have rejuvenated soybean crops. Showers early last week, 5 to 10 mm rain was widespread. Minnedosa, Neepawa and areas north of Highway 16 are still suffering serious moisture shortages as most of these areas are only 50 to 70 per cent



Grasshopper control continues in oilseed crops, hay yields seen significantly lower

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 13

Southwest Region Warm temperatures this week have quickly advanced crop maturity, together with cooler than normal overnight temperatures. Rain over the weekend and into Monday occurred throughout the region but amounts varied from 0.4 mm at Lake Audy to 37 mm at Bede. Areas along Hwy 16 are still below normal moisture accumulation this summer.



Cereal harvest begins in Manitoba, hay, forage yields well below average

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 6

Southwest Region Higher than normal temperatures prevailed with very little to no rain across the region. Scattered showers in Russell and Birtle areas amounted to less than 5 mm. Crops are showing symptoms of prolonged dry weather and in some cases, soils are close to the permanent wilting point. Most winter cereals are close to