COVID-19 remained the overarching feature of just about everything in early April — the grain and oilseed markets included. The virus has touched all aspects of society and the ongoing uncertainty of what it means for trade led to choppy activity in the agricultural commodities. Canola futures bounced around during the week ended April 9,
Coronavirus leaves grain markets uncertain
A lot remains to be worked out as spring marches ever nearer
Broader cattle market volatility resonates at local level
Meat supply lines are filling up again in the wake of pandemic panic buying
In addition to ongoing COVID-19 social distancing measures, a spring snowstorm also hampered some movement at Manitoba cattle auction yards during the first week of April. Prices were generally steady to higher compared to the previous week, although volatility in global markets was also being felt at a local level. “The cows are still calving,
Limits on border traffic not affecting cattle movement
Manitoba’s cattle sales continue, albeit with social distancing in mind
It wasn’t quite business as usual at Manitoba’s cattle auction yards during the week ended March 27, but cattle were still moving despite the extra COVID-19 pandemic precautions in place. With the Manitoba government declaring a state of emergency, the livestock sector is also practising social distancing. Sales are being held, but with only staff
Currency weakness supportive for Canadian-grown commodities
Wheat futures drew some strength from demand for shelf-stable goods
It’s a fluid situation’ was the phrase of the week as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic infected everything it touched. The grains and oilseeds were not immune to the large swings seen in the global financial markets, but did manage to hold up reasonably well, all things considered. Social isolation, quarantines, travel restrictions and general worldwide
Feed barley bids to stay under pressure through spring
Alberta cattle feeders are generally covered with their grain needs for the time being and prices should remain under pressure for the next few months as spring-harvested grain will also soon be looking for a home. “Right now, especially for March movement, a lot of feedlots have very sufficient coverage,” said Suzanne Leclerc, owner of
Commodities not immune to risk-off mentality
Coronavirus fears drag grains, oilseeds, equities and energy markets lower
A sharp drop in global equity and energy markets during the last week of February did not spare agricultural commodities, with ICE Futures canola falling to fresh contract lows and Chicago grains and oilseeds also under pressure. Fears over the COVID-19 coronavirus were heightened during the week, as more cases were confirmed outside of China
Good movement, steady prices at livestock auctions
Futures are recovering from coronavirus reaction
There was good movement through Manitoba’s cattle auction yards during the second week of February, with prices relatively steady for most classes of cattle. “The light cattle are still very strong,” said Allan Munroe, of the Killarney Auction Mart. However, “the big ones took a hit with the drop in the futures a few weeks
Risk-off trade sentiment outweighing market fundamentals
Crops still out on the fields cast clouds over StatsCan’s latest data
The novel coronavirus epidemic accounted for many of the headlines moving the grain and oilseed markets during the first week of February, with traders uncertain over what the outbreak will do to the global economy and demand for food. China is a major driver of international markets, and an economic slowdown there will cause ripple effects elsewhere. Equity,
Chicago cattle futures pull some bids lower
Manitoba buyers are very sensitive on cattle weights at the moment
Activity was mixed at Manitoba’s cattle auction yards during the week ended Jan. 23, with Ag Days in Brandon likely limiting some of the action on the western side of the province as producers took in the show. Numbers in the west were expected to pick up the following week, while steady trade was anticipated
CBOT weekly outlook: Soybeans oversold
MarketsFarm — Sharp losses in Chicago Board of Trade soybeans over the past month are looking overdone, according to an analyst who expects the lows may be in for the time being. March soybeans lost roughly 60 U.S. cents per bushel since the beginning of January, with the latest concerns over the coronavirus in China
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
