WINNIPEG — Feed barley prices have shown some strength over the past month but are likely topping out for now as attention starts to turn to the new crop. Feed barley is currently trading at about $217 per tonne for April-May delivery in the key Lethbridge feeding area, according to feed brokers. That’s up by […] Read more
Phil Franz-Warkentin
Stories by Phil Franz-Warkentin
Farmer equity included in CWB privatization, for now
Winnipeg, April 15 – A new privatized CWB will include the opportunity for farmers to gain equity in the grain handling company. However, that minority ownership stake could still be bought out in seven years. It was announced on April 15 that G3 Global Grain Group will acquire a majority 50.1% interest in the former […] Read more
Cargill facility will soon expand crushing capacity in Western Canada
WINNIPEG — A new crushing plant being built by Cargill Ltd. in Camrose will soon provide another outlet for Canada’s canola production. The company was set to begin taking delivery from farmers March 24. The facility, which was announced in 2012, will be able to crush 2,500 tonnes of canola per day when operating at […] Read more
New Canadian canola crush capacity coming online soon
WINNIPEG — A new crushing plant being built by Cargill Ltd. in Camrose will soon be providing another outlet for Canada’s canola production, as the company is set to begin taking delivery from farmers on March 24. The facility, which was first announced in 2012, will be able to crush 2,500 tonnes of canola per […] Read more
More weakness in store for Canadian dollar
WINNIPEG — The Canadian dollar has weakened considerably in recent days, but is more likely to see further declines relative to its U.S. counterpart rather than any sustained strength in the months ahead, according to an analyst. The currency was trading at US78.35 cents at midday Wednesday, which was down by about two cents over […] Read more
Spring road bans to slow grain movement across Prairies
WINNIPEG — Spring road bans are starting to be put into place across Western Canada as temperatures warm up in the Prairie provinces. The annual restrictions set axle weight limits for vehicles moving on certain roads in an effort to reduce the damage heavier loads can cause during the spring thaw period. Grain and equipment […] Read more
Chickpea prices subdued, bounce unlikely in short term
WIINNIPEG — Weather issues in India have generated some rumblings in the international chickpea market recently, but prices remain subdued in Western Canada and are unlikely to see any significant strength in the near-term, according to an industry participant. “The chickpea market is still being dominated by very cheap Russian and Argentine supplies,” said Colin […] Read more
Baltic Dry Index hits 30 year lows
WINNIPEG — The Baltic Dry Index, which tracks global bulk shipping rates, has fallen to its lowest levels in 30 years, which should make North American grains and oilseeds more competitive in the international market. The index was quoted at 554 points yesterday, which is the lowest reading since records started in 1985. It was […] Read more
All crops not equal in face of weakening Canadian dollar
WINNIPEG — With the Canadian dollar falling to its weakest levels relative to its U.S. counterpart in six years, the general sentiment holds that it should be good news for exporters, such as Canadian grain farmers. However, any net benefit may depend on what exactly is being exported and who is doing the buying, according […] Read more
More downside than upside for Prairie flaxseed bids
Winnipeg, Jan. 20 – Flaxseed prices remain strong in Western Canada, but that strength is relative and there are more bearish than bullish factors in the background which should weigh on values over the next few months. Spot flaxseed bids can currently be found in the $13-plus per bushel area, while new crop is in […] Read more
