A lot has happened in the last month and a half–we have gone from rail blockades, to a global pandemic in just a few short weeks. I just wonder what next month’s “gift” may be? At this rate I’m not ruling out dinosaurs awakening once more to reclaim the earth. If this is the case, the best economic advice I can give is that crossbow futures are a sure bet…
All joking aside–this has been a difficult time for many. Market trends are hard enough to understand and constantly evade set patterns, and then something like this comes along and you might even say it is the king–or rather–“corona” of curve balls (I am allotted one dad joke per article). That said, there are a few silver linings in all of this–both for life and the future of grain marketing:
Number 1: Social isolation seems to be the safest and least costly measure of control–and working from home is advised. In other words: business as usual for most farmers. It’s just that nights out for brewskies will have to wait… but look on the bright side: what if the only form of prevention was to spend 72 hours with the in-laws? Things are looking better already.
Number 2: Despite a world of economic uncertainty I know some things for sure: both people and cows need to eat. Although I have no idea what the market will do exactly… wheat prices are starting to pick up and canola futures are trending upward. We might not get the moon and the stars, but it seems even just a small slice of heaven is a reasonable prospect from this point.
Number 3: Though this is not written in stone–all indications point to the direction that barley isn’t likely to go through a substantial spring rally. With 20% more barley on the market this year than compared with last year already, coupled with the flood of spring thresh that is bound to hit very soon–and cancelation of all events in the entertainment industry–the demand for beer has tanked. And with it, malters have cancelled many contracts, and a feed grade spring thresh market is about to collide with a flood of high quality, high volume malt-quality barley; in other words: barley prices are likely to soften. “Where the hell is the silver lining?” you may ask. Current barley prices are riding the end of a slight bump. Prices–though not amazing–remain decent. So favorable options seem to be: sell soon for the best price you can find, or hold all barley until the market picks up.
Number 4: Though an awful circumstance economically–this has been a great time to reflect and hunker down to spend quality time with family. In an industry that can be quite systematic with emphasis on annual yields and quarterly marketing–it can often be the case that the years get lost in the seasons. However, this current moment in time offers an opportunity to reflect on what’s important. Despite all 21st century advancements in technology and infrastructure, uncertainty can pop up at any moment. Though not a peace of mind for the check book–this time will pass, and hopefully when it does, it will yield greater appreciation for friends and family.
Be well and stay safe out there. Spring seeding is just around the corner–and with it–the birth of hope!
Because Farming is Forever
Kody Thompson
Recent News
Over the past few weeks, the world has been surrounded with news about COVID-19 we thought we would share some articles we have found that we thought you might be interested in.
As we approach seeding and Spring harvest, we thought you might be needing some new tires on your equipment. Check out the newest tires by Michelin. Some of they are revolutionary as they introduce and air less tire.
Michelin introduces three new agricultural tires
Even though this article is about the virus. It talks about innovation in agriculture and what the top schools in Canada have been doing and plan to do in the future.
It might seem far off — but a bright new future is before us
That won’t taste good…. Labatt has switched to making hand sanitizer. Did you know Labatt Brewing has a disaster relief program? We didn’t! Here is a look at what they are doing to help besides making beer.
Labatt switching production to hand sanitizer to help fight COVID-19
Recent Trades
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16236)
88.00 MT
FOB Clive, AB
Apr 01 – Apr 30
$210.19/MT or $4.58/BU (Gross)
$206.69/MT or $4.50/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 25, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16234)
44.00 MT
FOB Bruderheim, AB
Apr 01 – May 31
$205.59/MT or $4.48/BU (Gross)
$202.09/MT or $4.40/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 25, 2020
OS Heated HRS Wheat (ID: 16227)
132.00 MT
FOB Viking, AB
Mar 24 – Apr 03
$190.00/MT or $5.17/BU (Gross)
$186.50/MT or $5.08/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16229)
132.00 MT
FOB St. Paul, AB
Apr 01 – Apr 30
$198.70/MT or $4.33/BU (Gross)
$195.20/MT or $4.25/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16224)
44.00 MT
FOB Donalda, AB
May 01 – May 31
$212.00/MT or $4.62/BU (Gross)
$208.50/MT or $4.54/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
OS CW Feed CPSR Wheat (ID: 16225)
165.00 MT
FOB Lloydminster, SK
Mar 24 – Apr 03
$189.28/MT or $5.15/BU (Gross)
$185.78/MT or $5.06/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
Feed Oats (ID: 16221)
176.00 MT
FOB Castor, AB
May 01 – Jun 30
$195.00/MT or $3.01/BU (Gross)
$191.50/MT or $2.95/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16222)
132.00 MT
FOB Rockyford, AB
Mar 30 – Apr 14
$217.07/MT or $4.73/BU (Gross)
$213.57/MT or $4.65/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
OS CW Feed Barley (ID: 16220)
132.00 MT
FOB Hairy Hill, AB
Mar 24 – Apr 30
$196.41/MT or $4.28/BU (Gross)
$192.91/MT or $4.20/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16215)
44.00 MT
FOB Ferintosh, AB
Mar 24 – Apr 04
$205.59/MT or $4.48/BU (Gross)
$202.09/MT or $4.40/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 24, 2020
#2CW Oats (ID: 16211)
44.00 MT
FOB Prespatou, BC
Mar 20 – Apr 11
$180.00/MT or $2.78/BU (Gross)
$176.50/MT or $2.72/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 23, 2020
OS CW Feed Barley (ID: 16219)
44.00 MT
FOB Stony Plain, AB
Mar 23 – Mar 31
$196.41/MT or $4.28/BU (Gross)
$192.91/MT or $4.20/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 23, 2020
OS CW Feed Barley (ID: 16218)
660.00 MT
FOB Donalda, AB
Apr 01 – Apr 30
$214.78/MT or $4.68/BU (Gross)
$211.28/MT or $4.60/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 23, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16216)
88.00 MT
FOB Camrose, AB
Mar 23 – Apr 15
$204.00/MT or $4.44/BU (Gross)
$200.50/MT or $4.37/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 23, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16206)
308.00 MT
FOB Leslieville, AB
Apr 01 – Apr 30
$207.89/MT or $4.53/BU (Gross)
$204.39/MT or $4.45/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 23, 2020
OS CW Feed Barley (ID: 16213)
44.00 MT
FOB Valleyview, AB
May 01 – May 31
$181.00/MT or $3.94/BU (Gross)
$177.50/MT or $3.86/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 23, 2020
CW Feed HRS Wheat (ID: 16209)
132.00 MT
FOB Bonnyville, AB
Mar 20 – Apr 07
$201.92/MT or $5.50/BU (Gross)
$198.42/MT or $5.40/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16204)
440.00 MT
FOB Kelsey, AB
Mar 20 – Apr 15
$210.19/MT or $4.58/BU (Gross)
$206.69/MT or $4.50/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16192)
44.00 MT
FOB Eckville, AB
Mar 19 – Mar 31
$203.00/MT or $4.42/BU (Gross)
$199.50/MT or $4.34/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16193)
220.00 MT
FOB Bawlf, AB
Mar 19 – Apr 11
$210.19/MT or $4.58/BU (Gross)
$206.69/MT or $4.50/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16201)
176.00 MT
FOB Vermilion, AB
Mar 20 – May 31
$201.00/MT or $4.38/BU (Gross)
$197.50/MT or $4.30/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16203)
88.00 MT
FOB Gadsby, AB
Mar 20 – Mar 31
$207.89/MT or $4.53/BU (Gross)
$204.39/MT or $4.45/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed HRS Wheat (ID: 16197)
308.00 MT
FOB Pine Lake, AB
Apr 01 – May 31
$212.94/MT or $5.80/BU (Gross)
$209.44/MT or $5.70/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16196)
44.00 MT
FOB Pine Lake, AB
Mar 19 – Mar 31
$206.20/MT or $4.49/BU (Gross)
$202.70/MT or $4.41/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 20, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16194)
44.00 MT
FOB Joffre, AB
Mar 19 – Mar 31
$201.00/MT or $4.38/BU (Gross)
$197.50/MT or $4.30/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 19, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16195)
44.00 MT
FOB Coronation, AB
Mar 20 – Mar 23
$201.00/MT or $4.38/BU (Gross)
$197.50/MT or $4.30/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 19, 2020
CW Feed SWS Wheat (ID: 16178)
88.00 MT
FOB Oyen, AB
Mar 17 – Mar 31
$200.08/MT or $5.45/BU (Gross)
$196.58/MT or $5.35/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 19, 2020
CW Feed CPSR Wheat (ID: 16191)
132.00 MT
FOB Glendon, AB
Mar 19 – Apr 07
$201.92/MT or $5.50/BU (Gross)
$198.42/MT or $5.40/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 19, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16188)
1320.00 MT
FOB Calgary, AB
Apr 01 – May 31
$219.37/MT or $4.78/BU (Gross)
$215.87/MT or $4.70/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 19, 2020
OS CW Feed Barley (ID: 16180)
44.00 MT
FOB Fort Vermilion, AB
May 01 – May 31
$164.25/MT or $3.58/BU (Gross)
$160.75/MT or $3.50/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 19, 2020
Spring Threshed Barley (ID: 16168)
220.00 MT
FOB Elk Point, AB
May 01 – May 31
$191.81/MT or $4.18/BU (Gross)
$188.31/MT or $4.10/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 19, 2020
#3CW Oats (ID: 16181)
88.00 MT
FOB Cochrane, AB
Apr 01 – May 31
$217.48/MT or $3.35/BU (Gross)
$213.98/MT or $3.30/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 18, 2020
Feed Oats (ID: 16187)
44.00 MT
FOB Bashaw, AB
Mar 18 – Apr 30
$198.00/MT or $3.05/BU (Gross)
$194.50/MT or $3.00/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 18, 2020
OS Feed Rye (ID: 16189)
44.00 MT
FOB Debolt, AB
Mar 18 – Mar 31
$160.97/MT or $4.09/BU (Gross)
$157.47/MT or $4.00/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 18, 2020
CW Feed Barley (ID: 16186)
176.00 MT
FOB Calmar, AB
May 01 – May 31
$205.59/MT or $4.48/BU (Gross)
$202.09/MT or $4.40/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 18, 2020
Spring Threshed Wheat (ID: 16179)
176.00 MT
FOB Plamondon, AB
May 01 – Jul 31
$196.41/MT or $5.35/BU (Gross)
$192.91/MT or $5.25/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 18, 2020
CW Feed HRW Wheat (ID: 16183)
44.00 MT
FOB Cereal, AB
Mar 18 – Mar 31
$201.91/MT or $5.50/BU (Gross)
$198.41/MT or $5.40/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 18, 2020
Spring Threshed Barley (ID: 16182)
220.00 MT
FOB Balzac, AB
Apr 27 – Jun 30
$201.00/MT or $4.38/BU (Gross)
$197.50/MT or $4.30/BU (Net)
TRADED Mar 18, 2020