Markets
Hogs The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was $41.84 Jan. 26, up from $35.91 Jan. 19. U.S. hogs averaged $56.27 on a carcass basis Jan. 26, up from $46.62 Jan. 19. The U.S. pork cutout was $89.51 per hundredweight Jan. 26, up from $88.56 Jan. 19. The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter […] Read more
Markets
WP livestock report
Falling pork demand slashes Chinese hog herd
SASKATOON — China’s hog herd will likely be shrinking in 2024, but not to the extent that it should, says an analyst. “China increased its pork output in 2023 to a near-record level,” according to the Dim Sums blog. “But prices plummeted, indicating the market didn’t want that much pork.” China produced 57.94 million tonnes […] Read more
Interest rate drop expected
SASKATOON — Canadian farmers could be getting a reprieve on their balance sheets later this year, according to a forecast by Export Development Canada. EDC expects the Bank of Canada to start lowering interest rates soon, dropping its key policy rate by 25 basis points in April. EDC chief economist Stuart Bergman expects the central […] Read more
Hemp proponents optimistic crop will rebound
The economics have become more promising as buyers offer production contracts of 70 to 75 cents per pound this winter
BRANDON — The last few years have been challenging for Canada’s hemp industry. When canola is priced at $18 to $20 per bushel, it’s difficult to convince farmers to grow alternative crops such as hempseed. In 2019, Canadian farmers planted about 91,000 acres of hemp, using Health Canada statistics on licenses to grow industrial hemp. […] Read more
GM acceptance one step in China’s modernization efforts
China is about to start growing genetically modified crops, and that has me wondering what it will mean for its yields, its self-sufficiency, future crop imports and rural culture. China has long accepted imports of genetically modified crops but did not grow them itself except in pilot tests. China did, however, grow GM cotton. That […] Read more
Despite risks on the horizon, there’s reason for optimism
There hasn’t been a lot of talk about grain rail transportation this winter. The system’s humming along at a high level of efficiency, farmers’ grain is moving and things seem to be just about right. In fact, the “just about right” situation was the bottom line of Manitoba agricultural economist Derek Brewin’s presentation at Manitoba […] Read more
VIDEO: Debt decisions need strategy
WINNIPEG — With interest rates swinging around like apes in the jungle, farmers might feel a lot of pressure to react to their debt and financing situations. But debt and financing decisions today will have a long-term impact, so farmers should be tying decisions to the strategic vision for their operations, Backswath Management consultant Gavin […] Read more
Maersk to use rail to bypass Panama Canal amid drought
Shipping companies are forced to find alternatives as drought and military conflict affect trade routes around the world
REUTERS — A.P. Moller-Maersk will use trains to avoid the drought-hit Panama Canal for some of its vessels, the Danish shipping giant said as low water levels continue to cause one of the world’s main maritime trade routes to reduce crossings. The Panama Canal Authority has reduced the amount and weight of vessels passing through […] Read moreCanfax report
This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattle Association. More market information, analysis and statistics are available by becoming a Canfax subscriber by calling 403-275-5110 or at www.canfax.ca. Fed prices flat Fed steer and heifer prices in the cash market were flat for the week […] Read more
WP livestock report
Hogs The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts Jan.19 was $35.91, up from $35.09 n Jan. 12. U.S. hogs averaged $46.62 on a carcass basis Jan. 19, up from $44.96 Jan. 12. The U.S. pork cutout was $88.56 per hundredweight Jan. 19, up from $86.08 Jan. 12. The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter […] Read more
