(Geralyn Wichers photo)

Klassen: Feeder market bounces on lower volumes

Feedlot operators believe yearling numbers will be down in March and April

Strength was noted in Manitoba and Saskatchewan while a softer tone was evident in Alberta. Once again, buyers shrugged off the weaker feeder cattle futures and the focus was on filling year-end orders. Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlots are carrying larger numbers but there appears to be sufficient bunk capacity available to sustain the price structure.

(Screengrab from Merit Functional Foods video via YouTube)

Merit Foods pays off operating lender, no deal yet for plant

Plant-based protein processor in receivership since March

A Winnipeg pea and canola protein processor in receivership since this spring remains mothballed for now with no firm buyer — but has paid off one of its three secured creditors. Merit Functional Foods, which entered receivership March 1 after just two years’ operation, has sold all its remaining finished and raw inventory and directed […] Read more


A file photo of the aftermath of freezing rain in Montreal on April 6. (David Himbert photo/Hans Lucas via Reuters Connect)

Weather Network predicts mild winter, with caveats

Colder scenario expected for East

MarketsFarm — Strong El Niño conditions that have developed in the Pacific Ocean would typically lead to a milder winter across Canada — but other factors this year could challenge that outlook, according to the winter forecast from The Weather Network, released Wednesday. The winter forecast features a mild start to the season, with a […] Read more



File photo of cattle in an Alberta feedlot. (Geralyn Wichers photo)

Klassen: Strong demand continues to support feeder market

Significant downside risk ahead

For the week ending Nov. 25, western Canadian yearling prices were $4-$8/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. However, calf markets were firm trading $5-$8/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to values quoted a week prior. Optimal weather in southern Alberta caused major feedlot operators to stretch their hands across the Prairies. At the […] Read more

(Scott Bauer photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Manitoba hog yard cleared for U.S. export

Separate export certificate had been required for yard's cull sows

U.S. authorities have lifted an order that required sows from one Manitoba assembly yard to be certified free of Seneca Valley virus before crossing the border.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed Canada in the second-last week of November had now met protocol conditions for Seneca Valley virus and has lifted the health certificate requirement, […] Read more


File photo of an Alberta wheat field. (ImagineGolf/E+/Getty Images)

Coalition seeks farmers, ranchers to join climate change forum

Farmers for Climate Solutions aims to gather diverse viewpoints

A farmer-led group is hoping to cut through the politics surrounding climate issues by bringing together a diverse group of Prairie farmers and ranchers for discussions around sustainability. “There’s a number of loud voices that tend to dominate the conversations,” says Ian McCreary, a grain and cattle farmer from Bladworth, Sask. McCreary is co-leading the […] Read more

(Thinkstock photo)

Prairie cash wheat: Prices fall back, more so for CWRS, CPSR

MGEX, K.C. wheats down on week

MarketsFarm — Wheat prices across the Prairies lost ground during the week ended Nov. 23, with Canada Western Red Spring and Canada Prairie Spring Red wheats incurring larger declines than those for durum. Minneapolis and Kansas City wheat futures pulled back during the week, but Chicago nudged up a little. Ongoing issues with lacklustre U.S. […] 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

Toby checks out a southern Manitoba sunflower field in this file photo. (Glen Hallick photo)

Manitoba sunflower yields better than anticipated

Some crops may be left over winter

MarketsFarm — With most of Manitoba’s sunflower harvest believed to be almost complete for 2023, yields have proven to be better than expected, according to Dennis Lange at Manitoba Agriculture. “I’ve heard good comments from some in the industry that the sunflower crop looks pretty good this year,” Lange said, noting Manitoba yields were estimated […] Read more