Grain markets were mostly higher this week in a risk-off sort of mood thanks to a relaxed tone of the trade war narrative we’ve been hearing, as well as a some weather premium creeping into the complex. Nearly two months ago, you could say soybeans (and soybean prices) were on the verge of Armaggedon as... Read More
Category: Western Canada
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association (ACFA) have announced they're aiming to hold a plebiscite this fall, with the goal of returning to a non-refundable provincial check-off. The two organizations announced a joint agreement "to strengthen our investment in the future of the beef industry" on Friday. They say they're looking... Read More
The average size of a new grain bin in Western Canada has grown dramatically in recent years. 1,650 bushel flat-bottom bins, while still needed in some cases, are turning into relics of the past. "Right now, the average bin going up is around 25,000 bushels," says Lorne Grieger of the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI),... Read More
Year-round grazing may mean different things to different people, but to Doug Wray, it essentially means providing 'locally grown' sustenance to his herd — that is, feeding where the forage was grown. Wray implements strategies like swath grazing and bale grazing to achieve his goals, driving the cost of winter feeding down to about $0.80/head/day... Read More
I read a column recently that made my stomach drop, just a little. The article, a sign-off from seasoned journalist Claudia Cattaneo, showcased not just her career spent covering the oil and gas sector, but also highlighted the current lack of in-depth, credible reporting on a controversial industry. As I read the following, I noticed... Read More
A transition between weather patterns over the next three weeks will go a long way in determining the kind of weather we can expect for the rest of summer, while potentially offering some short-term relief in dry areas, according to Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. Lerner joined RealAg Radio on Wednesday to discuss his... Read More
It's funny how word travels in today's social media world. Someone shares a photo or message on Twitter or Facebook and it can be instantly seen around the world. If shared publicly, you never know who's going to see or react to what you posted. Take, for example, this tweet by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture... Read More
The actual price of farm chemicals is often hidden from farmers using techniques like rebates, black box programs and price matching. That means Canadian farmers may be paying different prices to buy the exact same products. The lack of transparency in the ag chemicals market can add costs to an already expensive crop production essential.... Read More
Grain markets ended mostly in the red this week as the market dealt with some full-tilt planting progress and a few reports. There were some bullish ideas in Thursday’s May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from the USDA, but it didn’t seem like the market believed it! (much like other grain reports,... Read More
Four Alberta crop commissions that collaborate under the "Team Alberta" banner are speaking out against the University of Alberta's decision to grant an honourary degree to David Suzuki. The chairs of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Pulse Growers, and Alberta Barley sent an open letter to U of A president Dr.... Read More