Terry Fries

Saskatoon newsroom

Stories by Terry Fries

StatsCan’s first yield estimates are expected out in August and that will provide a clearer picture of the new crop. | File photo
Markets, News

Looming yield reports key to mustard prospects

Farmers who want to market mustard right off the combine may need to sign contracts soon or delivery spots may be filled

When a niche crop like mustard sees a 30 percent increase in acreage, it can be enough to keep prices tamped down. For 2018, Canadian mustard growers seeded 503,800 acres, according to Statistics Canada, and the trade is no hurry to make deals. Growers seeded 385,000 acres in 2017. “The trade is not feeling any […] Read more
Below average yields are being reported for the first cut of hay in all three prairie provinces. | Randy Vanderveen photo
News

Dry conditions leave hay crops looking thin

Many farmers taking off their first hay cuts are gathering more talking points to grumble over at coffee row than they are hay. While many producers are still working to get the first cut done and the situation could change with the second cut, many regions are already reporting below-average yields. “In areas of the […] Read more
Flax stocks as of March were reported to be 327,000 tonnes, which compares to 417,000 at the same time in 2016. | File photo
Markets

Firm, steady prices expected for flax this year

Farmers planted less of the crop this year, but demand is growing from China, the U.S. and possibly the European Union

Farmers with flax in the ground should be pleased come autumn. Statistics Canada revised its seeded acreage estimate downward in late June and that, combined with lower carry-out stocks and several other factors, should bring strong prices. “Given the demand in the market from China, the United States and potentially even the European Union, I […] Read more
The national job vacancy rate in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector is increasing compared to the same period a year ago. | File photo
News

National job rate increases in sector

The national job vacancy rate in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector is increasing compared to the same period a year ago. Data for the first quarter of 2018, ending April 30, showed a vacancy rate of 6.9 per cent in the sector compared to 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2017. Statistics […] Read more
Farmers are advised to take advantage of their ground’s-eye view of prairie crops and inventories when marketing. | Michael Raine photo
Markets, Weather

Farmers told to make most of weather markets

Market analyst says producers currently have a better idea about how their crops are faring than the trade

With seeding complete and weather now the dominant market force, farmers can take advantage of their unique position, if they know how. Brian Clancey of Stat Publishing said farmers have a front-row seat to what is happening in their fields, and that gives them the upper hand in marketing this time of year. “Farmers, when […] Read more
Farmers with flax in the ground should be pleased come autumn. | File photo
Crop Management, News

Firm, steady flax prices in the cards: analysts

Winnipeg — Farmers with flax in the ground should be pleased come autumn. Statistics Canada revised its seeded acreage estimate downward in late June and that, combined with lower carry-out stocks and several other factors, should bring strong prices. “Given the demand in the market from China, the United States and potentially even the European […] Read more
News

Interest rate hike shows central bank’s confidence in economy

July 11 — The Bank of Canada has raised its benchmark interest rate to 1.5 percent, marking the fourth time it has raised rates since last summer. The increase from 1.25 percent is the base rate retail banks pay for short-term loans, but consumer rates for mortgages, lines of credit and other loans usually follow. […] Read more
News

Feeders too slow to set price; U.S. futures trying to rally

Cash cattle markets on both sides of the border and futures in the United States are reporting sluggish volumes but steady prices. Rick Wright of Heartland Order Buying said few feeders are entering sales rings and most of what is being sold on cash markets are cull cows and bulls. “With our holiday on Sunday, […] Read more

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