Category: Markets

Grain markets marched through the middle of February with most of the focus on three things: trade war negotiations between China and the U.S.; the potential for another U.S. government shutdown (and thus, no grain trade data again); and, continued digestion of the February WASDE report published by the USDA last week. All things considered,... Read More

The commodity markets have definitely been in a sideways pattern, with little movement in either direction up or down. This lack of action makes it difficult on farmers, and challenging for traders, and the broadcasters trying to cover the markets everyday. As people watch the lack of price moves — stagnated by uncertain trade deals,... Read More

Winter grower meetings are a good place to get in out of the cold, see some neighbours, and find out what's new in agronomic research. It's also a good time to get a bead on the markets – what should you be doing with the crop you just harvested and when should some of next... Read More

There's a saying about beggars and choosers, but to call Canada's durum customers beggars would be unfair. That said, Italy's insistence of Country of Origin Labeling of durum that has edged Canada out of its market may ease — all in the name of quality. Cam Dahl, president of Cereals Canada, says it's an interesting... Read More

Grain markets marched into the month of February without much fanfare, as wheat prices were the only thing to make positive gains since last Friday. Unfortunately, for Canadian readers, some of these gains were offset in the cash market by the fact the Canadian loonie gained nearly a full point (1% or 100 basis points)... Read More

Things are looking up for the barley market. That's the message from the SaskBarley annual general meeting held recently during CropSphere at Saskatoon, Sask. "I think the industry has never been stronger. We're seeing huge exports on the feed side going into China, we're strengthening in the malt side, both domestically and globally, and we've... Read More

Selling a crop doesn't have to be a full time job, nor does it have to be fraught with risk. Having a solid crop marketing plan requires some learning, a little work, and some time, but putting together the following five key tips could translate into tidy profits or reduced losses as you market what... Read More

Grain markets were mostly able to squeak some gains this week despite limited news, other than it looked like there would soon be an end to the U.S. government shutdown. However, pessimism in getting a deal to end the trade war between China and the U.S. kept gains in check, and actually kept corn prices... Read More

Chances are, if you like the look of old crop oat prices your neighbours do, too. And while the human consumption oat market is steady to increasing, Lorne Boundy, with Paterson Grain, cautions against counting on that to keep prices where they are. With old crop prices taking off and sitting around $4/bu in southern... Read More

Although the wheat market is often considered a stagnant one, it is in fact growing, says Marlene Boersch, owner of Mercantile Consulting Ventures. The market only seems stagnant because supplies have been growing as fast as demand. This may be changing, however, as Russia's — one of the world's largest wheat exporters — upward trend... Read More