While most feed grain prices in Alberta have come down due to harvest pressure, some producers are taking advantage of higher prices.
Susanne Leclerc, analyst and owner of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton, said while some producers are sending their grain to feedlots, others are going to elevators in northern Alberta which are offering higher prices. Leclerc spoke of the advantages of sending barley northward.
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“Many of (the elevators) are putting on export specials, as high as C$5 (per bushel) going to the local elevators, which is stronger than the Lethbridge price when you back off on freight,” she said. “It’s nice to see those options, especially for quick movement for farmers.”
Leclerc added that the price of feed barley picked up was around C$4.70/bu., “making the elevator just as competitive as feedlot prices in the Lethbridge area.”
In Alberta’s latest crop report, the barley harvest was 96 per cent complete as of Sept. 29. As combining finished, Leclerc saw feed barley prices become firmer.
“Some of the pricing was lower two weeks ago, picked up in the yard for immediate movement. Now, it seems to be evening out a little bit more,” she said.
Grain buyers are already committed to contracts as far as March, so demand may not increase unless there is adverse weather, Leclerc added. But she thinks prices will be steady in the coming weeks.
“It’s nice to see exports start, at least,” Leclerc said. “I hope there is no further downside.”
Prairie Ag Hotwire reported delivered feed barley prices in Alberta ranged from C$4.35 to C$5.60/bu., down 17 cents from the month before on Oct. 8. In Saskatchewan, prices were from C$4.25 to C$4.75/bu. and steady from the past month. In Manitoba, prices ranged from C$4 to C$4.12/bu., down 29 cents.
For feed wheat, delivered prices in Alberta were from C$5.41 to C$7.25/bu., down two cents from last month. In Saskatchewan, a price of C$6.88/bu. was reported, steady from the month before, while in Manitoba, the price was C$5.59/bu., down 65 cents.
