The hot and dry weather present in much of the Prairies for much of July may not have yet put a dent in production numbers.
Matt Beusekom, trader for Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge, Alta., said while the heat is pressuring crops, good harvests are still expected for now.
“(The heat) has definitely had an effect to a certain degree,” Beusekom said. “Yield is perhaps not what it could’ve been, but that being said, I think we’re still in relatively good condition. It will be above average in most areas.”
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He added that pulse crops are handling the warmer conditions better than others, but canola is very susceptible.
Beusekom said grain deliveries to feedlots have been “very steady” so far this summer, as more barley makes its way into feed rations.
“I think we’re seeing a little uptick in barley as the corn supply peters out here,” he added.
Feed grain prices continue to decline, but some growers are hanging onto their product in anticipation of higher prices.
“Producers are perhaps slightly nervous and are not selling quite as quickly or easily,” Beusekom said. “I think we’re in a bit of a sideways market for now.”
Delivered feed barley prices in Alberta ranged from C$4.20 to C$5.99 per bushel, down 11 cents from the week before, on July 24 according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. In Saskatchewan, prices were down 25 cents from one week earlier, ranging from C$4.30 to C$4.75. In Manitoba, feed barley was priced from C$4.50 to C$4.52, down 13 cents from last week.
For feed wheat, Alberta prices were from C$6.50 to C$8.16/bu., down 35 cents from one week ago. In Saskatchewan, prices were steady, ranging from C$6.60 to C$7.75. In Manitoba, a price of C$6.77 was reported, down one cent from the previous week.
