Increased demand from American livestock feeders for Canadian forages should keep domestic prices firm, according to provincial forage specialists. While most of Western Canada has relatively good forage stocks, some areas are short on supply and will face high prices because of U.S. demand fuelled by this year’s drought. Forage prices are generally up by
U.S. drought boosts American demand — and prices — for Prairie hay
Fall calf volumes lower than last year
Manitoba’s cattle auction yards were busy once again during the week ended November 9, as the fall run continued at full speed. Prices held relatively steady for the most part, although top-end bids for many classes of cattle were mostly lower, rather than higher, in many instances. “We’re at the peak of the fall run
DDGS cheaper but still too pricey for Canadian feed
Prices for dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) have come down significantly over the past few weeks, but the cost of bringing the product into Canadian feed rations is still too high compared to domestic options, according to a feed grains broker. "Prices are dropping, but they haven’t dropped significantly enough to attract Canadian buyers,"
Grains, oilseeds seen pulled toward ‘fiscal cliff’
The economic uncertainty circulating global financial markets, as the United States nears a so-called "fiscal cliff," is seen bearing potential to weigh on agricultural commodity markets as well. However, analysts add, the extent of such fallout on grains and oilseeds remains to be seen. A combination of tax increases and spending cuts that would effectively
Attractive premium for age-verified cows
The fall run was in full swing across Manitoba’s cattle auction yards during the week ended November 2, with prices still holding firm and even looking a little better in some cases. Volumes were big at most auctions, with Heartland Livestock Services in Virden seeing the most action on their Halloween Day sale. “The feeder
Churchill port wraps up its shipping season
Grain shipments through Churchill have fallen this year, but officials say they’re encouraged because the port attracted new customers and shipped a greater variety of products. “It was a successful year,” but “probably not as successful as we would have liked it to be,” said Jeff McEachern, executive director of the Churchill Gateway Development Corporation.
Prairie durum market grows quiet
The durum market in Western Canada is quiet for the time being, with buyers and sellers both backing away after seeing steady movement earlier in the fall. "We’ve been busy buying up until this point, and now things have quieted down," said Warren Mareschal, sales manager with South West Terminal near Gull Lake, Sask. End-use
Canola fundamentals still supportive
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts moved lower during the week ending Wednesday, dropping sharply for two consecutive sessions before uncovering some support to the downside. While further technical declines are possible in the short-term, the fundamentals remain supportive overall, according to an analyst. If actual Canadian canola production in 2012 finished near the relatively tight
Barley bids reaching plateau in Western Canada
Barley prices in the key Lethbridge, Alberta cattle-feeding area have risen steadily over the past two months, but may be nearing their highs for the time being as other commodities are starting to displace barley in rations. Barley is currently trading in the $275 to $285 per tonne level in the Lethbridge area, which compares
Manitoba marts see fall cattle walk, not run
The middle of October might normally be the height of the fall run, but the numbers just aren’t there to the same extent as years’ past, according to participants. With fewer cattle making their way to market, prices in the feeder market have held up and even strengthened in some cases during the week ended
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