Markets
BEIJING, China (Reuters) — China has launched a decade-long plan to boost consumption of cereal grains and develop the industry through higher production standards, research and international co-operation as part of efforts to enhance food security. The 2024-35 action plan, jointly issued by the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration and other government departments, also […] Read more
Markets
Loonie lags as U.S. booms
WINNIPEG — A chart of the loonie’s value in 2024 shows that something changed in early October. For the first nine months of the year, the Canadian dollar was trading between 72 and 74 cents American. On Oct. 1, the loonie was valued at 74.1 cents relative to the U.S. dollar. It then sharply declined, […] Read more
WP livestock report
Hogs The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was not available Jan. 3 or Dec. 20. U.S. hogs averaged $79.59 on a carcass basis Jan. 3, up from $76.95 Dec. 20. The U.S. pork cutout was $ 89.54 per hundredweight Jan. 3, down from $97.28 Dec. 20. The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter […] Read more
Looking at market year by the numbers can reveal trends
A technical chart tells a story. It provides a map of what happened and hints about what may come. Canola There were certainly twists and turns to the canola trade in 2024. However, the path meandered in a sideways range and the market never actually went anywhere, finishing 2024 not far from where it started […] Read more
Cattle prices expected to remain strong through next year
The market saw fluctuations because production didn’t decline as much as expected but ended the year higher overall
REGINA — It was a good year to be a cattle producer. Prices fluctuated at times in 2024 but moved overall higher as the year progressed. Brenna Grant, executive director at Canfax, said demand has remained steady and producers have benefitted. Cow-calf producers have had the leverage at this point in the cattle cycle. “Alberta […] Read more
Global grain demand continues to match supply
Producers are urged to consider put and call options as well as seasonal averaging products for all their crops this year
SASKATOON — The grain and oilseed market outlook for 2024-25 boils down to one simple factor. “It’s really a case of big supplies versus big demand,” said Rhett Montgomery, DTN’s lead analyst. Related stories: “It’s really going to be an arm wrestle to see what side of that equation wins out.” Corn traded in the […] Read more
Ag exports ‘underperforming’ in Southeast Asia
Potential remains ‘unrealized,’ despite signing trade agreements and opening a new trade office in the Philippines
WINNIPEG — Canada could be missing out on $1.6 billion in annual exports of wheat, frozen potatoes, meat and fertilizer to Southeast Asia. That nugget of data comes from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Farm Credit Canada, which have studied the potential of agriculture and agri-food exports to Southeast Asian nations. The FCC is […] Read more
Report calls for fresh perspective on sustainability, trade
Focus shifted from potential barriers to the possibilities created by more sustainable approaches to agriculture
Glacier FarmMedia – While it’s common to view sustainability policies as potential trade barriers, a global forum seeking to balance trade and sustainability goals says it’s equally important to see the opportunities. “Rather than viewing sustainability requirements as potential trade barriers, policymakers should position them as opportunities to enhance market access and competitiveness,” a new […] Read more
Sustainability: the new trade barrier
European Union is seen as leading the way in sustainability regulations that could distort agricultural trade in a big way
SASKATOON — Agricultural exporters, including Canada, are facing a new type of trade barrier, according to the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. “There has been a trend towards sustainability initiatives that can be used as market access barriers and we want to push back against that trend,” said CAFTA executive director Michael Harvey. “It’s a pretty […] Read moreCanfax report
Fed prices high For the week ending Dec. 20, Alberta fed cattle prices traded $3-$4 per hundredweight higher than the previous week, hitting the highest point since July. Despite excitement around higher prices, basis levels remain historically weak. In mid-December, Alberta fed prices traded at a $22-$23 per cwt. discount against Nebraska, one of the […] Read more
