Canada had almost 3.1 million tonnes of canola in stocks at the end of the crop year, which was more than expected, and once all the disposition numbers have been tallied, it looks like the 2023-24 crop was bigger than the official estimate. Every year, concurrent with the release of the July 31 stocks report, […] Read more
D'Arce McMillan
Stories by D'Arce McMillan
Rising population sparks change in domestic food demand
Canada’s high rate of immigration has generated a lot of attention, particularly in relationship to the impact on the tight housing situation. The rapid population increase also strains the school and health-care systems, and some commentators worry these problems endanger what has been until now a public consensus that immigration is a desirable policy. This […] Read more
Europe’s crop problems generate market opportunities
While crop production prospects in our nearest competitor, the United States, appear to be great, weather has not been so kind in other parts of the world. The outlook for a huge American crop has weakened grain prices, but the outlook for Canada’s crop exports in 2024-25 will also be affected by harvests in Europe, […] Read more
Inflation fight must walk tightrope amid consumer anger
Like giant cargo ships, the big economies of the world have sailed through stormy seas for several years and finally calmer water might be ahead, but the crews are in a foul mood and are not about to salute their captains. In Canada, the United States and elsewhere, the chaos from COVID-19 and the Russian […] Read more
Canola exports pick up late, keep carryout manageable
Canola exports picked up in the last two months of the crop year, meaning full year exports were close to the figure in Agriculture Canada’s supply and demand report issued in June. As well, domestic use wound up higher than forecast, so the year-end carryout should not be a burdensome factor. Agriculture Canada had forecast […] Read more
Crude oil is up this summer, but future prices unclear
Crude oil prices spent much of the spring lower than forecasts made in late winter but have jumped up in recent weeks on strong demand during the busy summer travel season. West Texas crude, the North American benchmark, spent most of the winter in the US$70s per barrel, which was a bit lower than expected. […] Read more
Pork trade might suffer collateral damage from EV fight
Canadian pork exports posted a strong first four months, thanks to improved sales to Japan, South Korea, Mexico and the Philippines. Sales to China remain significant, but are down from the same period last year, and the future of the Asian giant’s demand is uncertain because of geopolitical issues related to electric vehicles (EVs). Chinese […] Read more
Global crops mainly prosper, remaining problems modest
Crops in much of Canada and the United States are doing a lot better than last year, thanks to improved moisture through the spring. And nearly all of the Canadian Prairies and American Midwest were expected to get even more rain June 28-July 3. That system might have delivered excessive amounts in some areas. While […] Read more
Market assesses impact of Russia’s smaller wheat crop
The weather has not co-operated for Russia’s wheat growers and the country might produce the smallest crop since 2021. Killer frosts, drought and excess moisture in various regions of Russia have trimmed yield prospects. The winter wheat crop in dry southern regions near the Black Sea are in the filling stage while spring wheat seeding […] Read more
To understand food inflation, more transparency, data needed
Some Canadians are boycotting Loblaws in protest over the high cost of food and a belief that grocery stores are generating unjustifiably high profits. The campaign started through social media and is generating news media coverage although I don’t know if it is having a big impact on sales. People are frustrated about inflation, and […] Read more
