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 moreTag Archives supply and demand
Global supply-demand environment keeps traders relaxed
Crop markets have been falling of late because of slow demand and generally favourable weather around the world. I’ll first cover the factors weighing down prices and later note the spots with production issues that could support prices. The cool spring in grain production areas of Canada and the United States has slowed field work […] Read more
Supply? Demand? What are we dealing with?
Economists and analysts are wrestling with enormous uncertainty
Most of what goes into creating the price of crops and livestock comes from supply and demand. More supply and less demand? Probably lower prices. More demand and less supply? Probably higher prices. It’s a little bit more complex than that, but those are some of the basics. But how do you project future prices […] Read more
Brace for hay shortage, price hike
Hay prices are above average in Saskatchewan and may get higher this fall. If a number of factors come together, prices could spike. Most forage sellers are now asking five to eight cents per pound, with most of the hay trading closer to five cents. Trewett Chaplin, a livestock producer from Craik, Sask., thinks prices […] Read more
How much forage is enough?
VERMILION, Alta. — Grazing basics tell producers to balance livestock demand with available forage supply. The concept seems simple enough, but that balancing act requires different plans depending on the plant community, geography and cattle behaviour. “You need to graze in a sustainable way so you can come back and maintain that asset,” said Donna […] Read more
Bargains to be had on urea, ammonia
Urea prices are $100 per tonne below those of recent years, reflecting low natural gas costs, weak demand and new production
Growers should seriously consider locking up their 2017 nitrogen fertilizer needs at today’s prices, says an analyst. Urea and anhydrous ammonia prices are lower than they have been in a long while, said Derek Squair, president of Agri-Trend Marketing. He has seen urea prices as low as $300 per tonne and anhydrous prices of 36 […] Read more
Gluten-free demand spurs premium for buckwheat
A Manitoba seed dealer is offering $16.50 a bushel for new crop buckwheat because eastern Canadian demand is surpassing supply. Buckwheat flour is a hot item in parts of Quebec and Ontario, thanks in part to the gluten-free consumer trend. “Before it was in the bin (last year), I had a waiting list (of buyers),” […] Read more
Higher output may push down nitrogen
New plants in North America coming online, may cause an oversupply
Nitrogen fertilizer prices are heading lower and will remain depressed for years to come, says a fertilizer analyst. “Demand for imports is falling while availability of exports is rising,” said Neil Fleishman, director of research with Green Markets, a fertilizer analytical publication. “It’s that import-export imbalance that we see as a driver to push prices […] Read more
