Markets
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
Markets
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
China targets grain use
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
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
