Futures markets have seen a record-breaking run in cocoa prices in 2024, a surge exacerbated by the hedge funds that provide much of their liquidity heading for the exit.
Other crops
Why have cocoa futures hit record highs this year?
VIDEO: Taking a portable welder for a test drive
Canadian Tire’s Extreme-80 75 amp, 120-volt arc welder sells for a regular price of just $230. Is that a bargain that would be a welcome addition to the farm shop tool collection? We put one to the test to see if it can live up to the manufacturer’s claims.
How to choose between an in-bin or dedicated grain drying system
It all depends on your objectives, expert says
With short seasons and what seems like increasingly unpredictable weather patterns these days, many growers now routinely using grain drying systems to add a little time to the harvest window. But for those considering an investment in a grain drying system, how do you choose which one is right for your farm? Producers can opt […] Read more
Sorghum sudangrass may help soil beat back diseases
The crop’s benefits for farmers are piling up, but be aware of some drawbacks, experts say
Researchers have found potential in sorghum sudangrass — a hybrid of sorghum varieties — as a fungal disease-fighting, soil-enriching grass for cover crops. Although the research was conducted in Prince Edward Island, some say there may be applications for Western Canada as well — including potential as highly-nutritious cattle feed. Two Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada […] Read more
Saskatchewan Crop Report: Provincial harvest 99 per cent finished
Saskatchewan's 2024 harvest will be completed in a matter of days, according to the province's weekly crop report.
Expect stalks and stubble to become more stabby
Also: rubber is most prone to trouble from stubble when brand new, before it can harden naturally
Don’t let its adorable little yellow flowers from the summer fool you — canola today can be “like little rebar” in your tractor tires. That was a late takeaway from an ag tire clinic for farmers at Melfort, Sask. in July, hosted by staff from retailer Kal Tire and manufacturer Firestone Ag. It’s not that […] Read more
Ways to improve the microbiome
Scientists consider how we could better support relationships between plants, soil and microbes
Glacier FarmMedia — The hyperbole around biologicals and what they can do for crop production sounds like 10 million crickets in a suburban backyard. There’s a lot of noise around biologicals, and for good reason. Soil contains millions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that perform vital functions for plants. As a result, global agri-science […] Read more
Saskatchewan Crop Report: Harvest nears 80 per cent despite rain
Despite rainfall across Saskatchewan, the province's harvest still advanced five points at 79 per cent complete as of Sept. 23. This year's pace is currently ahead of the five-year and 10-year averages.
It’s not too late to creep-feed spring calves
Better Bunks and Pastures: Analysis says this could be a highly profitable year to creep-feed calves
A friend of mine operates a 300-cow-calf operation. This year, he put out his creep feeders during the end of July and his March-born calves really haven’t eaten much creep-feed in the last month. That’s because his pastures are still lush and his cows are milking well. He joked that he is ready to lock […] Read more
Markets continue to push lower
Risk premiums created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine have evaporated
Market sentiment remains bearish for most agricultural commodities, including the major crops grown in Western Canada. Prices have been declining in most markets since the recent highs were set at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Markets have gradually adjusted to the news coming from the conflict and has effectively removed […] Read more