Under sunny skies, neighbour Ken Reiniger loads some slough hay bales, that will make good winter feed, onto the trailer.

Weather co-operates for fall projects

Digging potatoes and hauling feed all completed under fairly warm dry conditions

The weather this fall has been very nice. The wind has been cold at times, but we really couldn’t complain about the temperatures. I gave the foals a few days to settle down after weaning and then started refreshing their halter training. We try to work with them to introduce the halter a few days […] Read more

These barley plants show signs of the damage potassium deficiency can cause.

Are your fields potassium deficient?

Cases of potassium-deficient soils are on the rise. It could mean a hit to your bottom line

Most farmers know the importance of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil and the vital role their presence plays in crop development. But what about potassium? Potassium (K) is critically important in helping provide water balance within a plant. The only way a plant can move sugar and nutrients is by moving […] Read more


As consumers run short of disposable income in 2024, it is expected there will be a reduced demand for beef.

USDA increases beef production forecasts

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: All factors suggest the winds of market change are beginning to blow

Alberta fed cattle prices during November were averaging $385/cwt on a dressed basis, down $5/cwt from 30 days earlier. Live prices f.o.b. feedlot in southern Alberta were quoted in the range of $228/cwt to $230/cwt, the lowest since May. The market has come under pressure as U.S. beef forecasts for the first half of 2024 […] Read more

Photo: File

Australian crops improve, but well off recent records

Winter crop harvest reportedly progressing quicker, earlier than recent years

Australia’s winter crop production likely beat earlier expectations but will still be down considerably compared to the record-large production in recent years, according to the latest crop report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). 


(Dave Bedard photo)

Higher canola, wheat production expected in StatCan report

Traders raise concerns about report accuracy

MarketsFarm — There was a consensus among several traders and analysts that Statistics Canada will very likely raise its estimates on canola and wheat production for 2023-24. Yields on the Prairies were better than expected following a difficult first half of the growing period, as the weather improved during the second half. StatCan is set […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Corn imports, larger crop prospects pressure barley

StatCan expected to raise barley crop estimate

MarketsFarm — The feed barley market in Western Canada remains relatively flat as steady corn imports from the U.S. keep domestic feeders well supplied. Ideas that Canadian production ended up above earlier expectations were also keeping a lid on the domestic market. Delivered barley into the Lethbridge, Alta. area is currently priced in the $300-$320 […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Weak demand for barley

Cost of corn DDGS may favour barley

MarketsFarm — As demand for barley remains limp, it has become rather difficult to move the feed grain, according to Darcy Haley of Ag Value Brokers in Lethbridge. “There’s just no demand. We did barley March 10 at $320 per tonne, and in April through to July it traded at $328. That’s $7-$10 cheaper than […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: U.S. corn moving into Canadian feedlots

Canada's feed grain exports down on year

MarketsFarm — The steady flow of corn from the United States into Canadian feedlots should keep prices for domestic feed grains under pressure for the foreseeable future. Canada imported 91,100 tonnes of corn from the U.S. during the week ended Nov. 2, taking the marketing-year-to-date total to 221,700 tonnes, according to the latest U.S. Department […] Read more


Malteurop, which operates a malt house at the east end of Winnipeg, is one of several malting companies with a presence in Manitoba. (Dave Bedard photo)

CMBTC study finds new malting barley lines a fit for Manitoba

Agronomic traits in new varieties overcome disease issues that held crop back

Manitoba farmers have improved prospects to access the more-lucrative malting barley market, according to a recent study. The report by the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC), in collaboration with the Manitoba Crop Alliance, says new Canadian malting barley varieties can be grown successfully in Manitoba. With yields and quality comparable to the check variety […] Read more

Photo: File

Feed weekly outlook: Prices to continue slipping back

Feedlots covered for now

MarketsFarm — Feed prices are set continue grinding lower for the balance of 2023, “as domestic end users are covered,” according to Jim Beusekom, president of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. Beusekom pointed to the amount of contracted corn being imported from the United States as well as better-than-expected yields across the Prairies this harvest. […] Read more