Markets
Canola’s loss could be spring wheat’s gain come spring, says an analyst. Bruce Burnett, director of markets and weather with Glacier’s MarketsFarm, was already forecasting a year-over-year increase in spring wheat acres in 2019 before China banned Canadian canola. Now he expects an even bigger swing. “That’s the wild card in this thing. You could […] Read more
Markets
Quick canola recovery unlikely: China expert
A former diplomat says a high-level delegation from Canada could cause China to become more entrenched in its position
A political science professor and former counsellor at the Canadian embassy in China says it could be years before Canada reclaims its place in the Chinese canola market. Charles Burton from Brock University said there are too many unstable factors to be able to predict a quick resolution to the situation. “At the present time, […] Read more
Ethanol imports from U.S. reach record levels
Over-blending said to be the cause but opinions differ on the reason — gov’t says it’s cheaper, industry credits efficiencies
Canada continues to import vast amounts of U.S. ethanol, some of which is being used to meet federal and provincial mandates. A record 1.32 billion litres of the renewable fuel flowed across the border in 2018, a seven percent increase over the previous year. Canada’s five percent mandate amounts to a blending requirement of 2.25 […] Read more
Canola-based plastic may hit market soon
Biodegradable biopolymers can be used to make food packaging, drinking straws, cups, bottles, trash bags and bottles
The global market for plastics is expected to hit US$1.175 trillion by 2020. That’s comparable to the gross domestic product of Mexico. If bioplastics could garner a 10 percent share of the worldwide market for plastics, it would become a $110 billion industry. Sales now aren’t close to that figure, but it’s still an exciting […] Read moreCanfax report
This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s 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 cattle stronger Fed cattle prices have improved by $6.50 per hundredweight for the last three weeks […] Read more
Economic slowdown puts interest rate hikes on hold
Was it only last fall when the central banks of the United States and Canada were talking about several interest rate hikes in 2019? With the economies apparently booming, it was time to tap the brakes to prevent the growth of inflation and to get interest rates up to a more normal level, after a […] Read more
WP livestock report
Bison The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices from C$5.30-$5.60 per pound hot hanging weight. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.30 or more with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs. Grade A heifers sold up to C$5-$5.40. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.15. Animals outside […] Read more
Answers to farming challenges not as easy as outsiders assume
Whether it's dealing with China or soil, farmers have to manage in the real world
Uh-oh! China shut the border to Canadian canola. What should a farmer do? Easy! Just don’t grow canola this year. That’s what some people who don’t know much about real-world farming might think, after hearing that a third Canadian canola exporter has been told their license to ship to China has been yanked. How should […] Read more
Canola futures drop for first time in five days
Winnipeg – ICE Futures canola contracts were weaker on Wednesday, posting losses for the first time in five days as speculative short-covering dried up and the bearish underlying fundamentals weighed on prices. Large old crop supplies and the ongoing uncertainty over Chinese demand accounted for much of the weakness, with expectations for a burdensome carryout […] Read more
Weekly Outlook: ICE canola bearish with or without China
Winnipeg – ICE Futures canola contracts saw a modest correction off of major support over the week ended April 3, but the longer-term trend remains pointed lower with large old crop supplies and uncertain export prospects overhanging the market. Canadian canola exports to China are effectively non-existent right now, with the absence of that major […] Read more
