Markets
Heating problems in storage are forcing farmers’ hands, adding to an already strong flow of canola to elevators
Canola has roared fast and furious into the western Canadian grain elevator system since harvest, but some of it has been flowing out of fear. Analysts say farmers are selling canola when they are surprised to discover they have canola heating in the bin. “It’s really catching guys off guard,” said Brian Voth, an Agri […] Read more
Markets
Brazil has huge potential in crop output
Improving pastures would free up 99 million acres for crops. Canadian farmers plant 74 million acres of crops
CHICAGO, Ill. — There is staggering potential to expand corn and soybean production in Brazil, says an economist. The country has 400 million acres of underused pastureland, a portion of which could and likely will be converted to crop production in the coming years, said Renato Rasmussen, Brazil economic analyst for Rabobank. “Even though we […] Read more
Surrounded by professionals
This series looks at how farmers, agriculture consultants and service providers are professionalizing agriculture by integrating the many skills required by today’s complex and challenging industry. You can follow the entire series here. ALTONA, Man. — It’s a busy day at B and S Farm, with Eldon Klippenstein on the phone with his broker, hedging 2016-17 […] Read more
Agropur raises more investment
Quebec-based Agropur Co-operative has raised another $300 million in investments to help carry out its development strategy. The money is from a group of Quebec institutional investors and banks, the same group that last year bought $470 million of preferred units in Agropur. The co-op has announced acquisitions in the last year, including the dairy […] Read more
Crop prices remain stable, despite buffeting
Several developments influenced crop prices this week: the falling loonie, weather problems in Brazil, U.S. biofuel policy and prospects for increased exports from Argentina. But in the end, the prices of major crops closed the week little changed. The Canadian dollar fell below US72 cents following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to increase its interest […] Read more
Canfax report – December 24, 2015
Fed cattle stabilize Fed steers averaged $154.73 per hundredweight in light trade, and heifers averaged $155.89, steady to a little higher than the previous week. Dressed sales were about $260 delivered. Lift dates were generally for the end of January. Cattle futures were again volatile, but the Alberta cash-to-futures basis continued seasonal at around -$9.63. […] Read more
LIVESTOCK REPORT – December 24, 2015
Hogs drift lower U.S. hog prices slipped because packers had most of their needs met leading up to the week of Christmas when there will be a reduced slaughter. Unusually mild weather in parts of the Midwest is causing pigs to grow faster, making them available to packers sooner. Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$38.50-$39.00 […] Read more
What happens when a partnership changes or ends?
A business partnership agreement should recognize that people come and go in our lives and businesses. It should be drafted in a way that accommodates change so as to avoid problems later on. A partner might want to leave, so the agreement should anticipate how to buy out that person’s interest. The partners might want […] Read more
Optimizing land, machinery costs help with profit
In lean times, variable rate technology can help cut costs, but managing land and equipment is essential: adviser
CHICAGO, Ill. — Farmers will need to tighten their belts over the next couple of years as crop prices remain weak, but a consultant says they will need to be smart about it. Chris Barron, president of Ag View Solutions in Iowa, said the knee-jerk reaction is to reduce inputs such as fertilizer, seed and […] Read moreLIVESTOCK-CME live cattle futures rally 4th straight session
CHICAGO, Dec 23 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures climbed for a fourth consecutive session on Wednesday, with December up the 3-cents per lb price limit, as the southern Plains braces for a weekend winter storm that drove cash and wholesale beef prices higher, traders said. Spot December settled limit up at 128.600 […] Read more
