Markets
Feedlots are expected to bid up the price of feeder cattle so that margins in the deferred positions cover variable costs
Glacier FarmMedia – For the week ending Jan. 11, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were up $15-$20 per hundredweight compared to the week ending Dec. 21. In eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, quality packages of steers 800 pounds and heavier traded $20-$25 per cwt. higher compared to three weeks earlier. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle […] Read more
Markets
Crop markets follow weather, tariffs, currency fluctuations
Crop markets in early 2025 will likely be subdued as production prospects in South America appear good and the outlook for global trade is on edge, fearing U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s threats about levying harsh tariffs and a potential renewed trade war with China. In the Southern Hemisphere, Australia has mostly completed its harvest with […] Read more
Supplies tighten for phosphate, urea
ST. JEAN, Man — When compared to grain prices, phosphate fertilizer is expensive right now in North America. That dynamic isn’t going to change anytime soon because inventories are down in the United States and imports of phosphate are almost non-existent, says a Nutrien rep. “Phosphate does have a lot of challenges in 2025,” said […] Read more
Canfax 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 cattle prices rise Fed steer and heifer prices started the new year on a strong note. […] Read more
WP livestock report
Hogs The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was not available Jan. 10 or Jan. 3. U.S. hogs averaged $79 on a carcass basis Jan. 10, down from $79.59 Jan. 3. The U.S. pork cutout was $91.36 per hundredweight Jan. 10, down from $89.54 Jan. 3. The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter to […] Read more
Unifor’s Canadian Pacific Kansas City members vote to authorize strike
REUTERS — Unifor said today its members at Canadian Pacific Kansas City had voted in favour of a strike action if the parties fail to reach an agreement by Jan. 29. The union, which represents about 1,200 workers at CPKC, said 99 per cent of its members voted to authorize a strike. CPKC did not […] Read more
EU’s clean marine fuel rules could raise shipping costs
Shipbrokers say the cost of the European Union’s new emission reduction efforts will likely be passed on to shippers
LONDON, U.K. (Reuters) — European Union marine fuel rules, effective from Jan. 1 as part of efforts to cut emissions, will raise shipping costs, although firms with vessels that can run on alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and liquid natural gas, will benefit, two shipbrokers said. The policy is the second major EU regulation focused […] Read more
Global forces played big role in shaping market last year
Glacier FarmMedia – Grain and oilseed markets had their ups and downs in 2024, with wars, labour unrest, trade disputes and politics often providing more direction than the traditional supply/demand fundamentals. While the outlook is murky for 2025, expect similar outside forces to remain a feature in the year ahead. Russia/Ukraine The conflict moved through […] Read more
Six major feeder cattle market factors to watch
The market will be influenced by a number of developments this year, from American policy decisions to feed prices
Auction markets were closed in Western Canada for the week ending Jan. 3, but that didn’t stop cattle producers from emailing or calling me over the holidays inquiring about market direction. In this article, I’ll discuss six major factors that will influence the feeder cattle market in 2025. The feeder cattle cash and futures markets […] Read more
Skies both gloomy and sunny for honey prices
Beekeepers face challenges in important markets, but demand for true honey amidst rampant fraud could boost prices
WINNIPEG — The level of fake honey on store shelves has reached a boiling point. It’s so bad that the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations will not hand out awards for the best honey at its 2025 meeting in Denmark. The associations cannot ensure that all honey in the competition is genuine, so judging and […] Read more
