(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


(Dave Bedard photo)

Manitoba Tories pledge to pump up biofuel content

Manitoba’s incumbent Progressive Conservatives have pledged to boost provincial mandates for biofuel content in gasoline and diesel two weeks ahead of a provincial election. The Tories, whom recent polls favour for re-election on Sept. 10, included the pledge Tuesday in a campaign announcement specifically aimed at the province’s farmers. The party noted its biofuel promise

(Dave Bedard photo)

Bearish bets decline in canola

MarketsFarm — While speculators were increasing bearish bets for Chicago soybeans and corn during the week ended Tuesday, canola traders were taking back some of their large net short positions. According to the latest commitment of traders (CoT) report from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the net managed money short position in canola


(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

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



ICE November 2019 canola with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

ICE weekly outlook: Canola trade’s eyes on StatsCan report

MarketsFarm — Although Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) released its production forecast Wednesday, markets are focused on next week’s production report from Statistics Canada — a survey-based report which should provide a clearer picture of what’s to come. AAFC’s August report kept the canola production estimate at July’s 18.575 million tonnes. “Maybe we’ll see if


(Elenaphotos/iStock/Getty Images)

Canada boosts 2019-20 wheat production estimate

MarketsFarm — Canadian wheat production in 2019-20 is forecast to come in at 500,000 tonnes above an earlier forecast, according to updated supply/demand tables released Wednesday from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Wheat ending stocks were also raised in the report, while adjustments to the canola tables led a slight reduction to the still record-large carryout

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