Sitting at my desk, watching the snow fly in from the north, I am doing all I can to stay optimistic today… I don’t want to be a Groundhogs Day Scrooge, but I’m starting to think the February 2nd holiday was founded on chance, rather than modern day science…
We put a lot of pressure on our Canadian marmots to help us plan properly, and, when it comes to sunshine and shadows, I think they are overworked, underpaid, and doing the best they can.
In a similar manner, I often feel this pain for our grain marketing customers. But, not because I think any of them fear their shadow! …Though, I’ll admit. I myself get a little anxious upon seeing a questionable silhouette when alone… But before I go and share the story of when my brother hid inside a sweater in my closet, I ought to remember, this newsletter isn’t about me today. It’s about you!
You, and your feelings… I know! I know! … Nobody likes talking about their feelings these days. That’s why it was important I share my juvenile fear in the previous paragraph. I want this to be a trusting, vulnerable atmosphere. The same one you can depend on whenever you call 1-888-969-5552.
We have been doing a lot of listening this winter. And I’ve got to tell you, the soundtrack resonating throughout the prairies this year sounds an awful lot like a Rod Stewart song… No! Not the “if you want my body / think I’m sexy” one! …The one I’m thinking of is a little melancholier, but without the hopeful optimism you might find in his rendition of “Forever Young”.
… Before I dig myself into a hole, allow me to better explain with parodied lyrics of one of Rod’s all-time smash hits: Ooh la la, from the Without a Paddle soundtrack.
Go on!! You sing first:
I wish – that – I knew what I know now
When I was making last year’s seeding choices.
I wish – that – I knew what I know now
When I was storing m’feed grain…
And then we sing:
Poor, dear farmer, what can we say
What else is there to do, but to try agaaai’n
…And that’s the hardest way… ooh la la
Ooh la la, la la, yeah!
…That’s it! That’s what’s been playing in the background this crop year! … No, it’s not so much a song that helps anyone feel better. But that’s not really the point.
To paraphrase myself from Agfinity’s first-ever promotional video just released on our YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels, AND THIS NEWSLETTER, farming isn’t about singing the blues on snowy March mornings, farming is about looking toward brighter days in agriculture!
While the groundhog may not always have the foresight to see just six weeks in front of him, a farmer is required to look beyond the formation of each day’s forecast. In fact, many decisions require years of commitment before they are ready for harvest.
Look at Agfinity for example! Six to seven years ago, we were calling farmers and playing around with Google spreadsheets on the internet, and before we knew, it transformed into Agfinity.com, a place where grain buyers and sellers come together. And not just once a year, but every day!
We hope you enjoy hearing from us. We certainly enjoy hearing from you! And even if it’s just to sing the blues.
Spring 2017! Let’s duet! Call, email or tweet us for singing lessons!
Barley : Feed barley continues its downtrend with prices similar to what we saw trading in September. There doesn’t seem to be much upside seen to the barley market heading into spring, but road bans could play a factor in bringing a small premium or rally. The word from most feedlots is that they are full for March and well-bought for April. Spring-thrashed barley will also come into play. Consider setting a target to be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come our way.
Wheat: Still seeing good opportunities for good quality gradable wheat. #2CPS, 11 protein bids still strong with premiums if your moisture is under 13.5%. New crop CPS opportunity for #2 with 11 protein at $5.90-$6/bu delivered. Homes are available and prices are staying competitive for feed wheat. Many buyers are looking for a bigger delivery spread (into May) to hit offers. For quicker movement, offers are trading at the bid.
Oats: Oat demand for lower grade 2CW and 3CW has backed off but demand and prices are better for good quality 2CW weighing 43.3 lbs and dry – 13.5% moisture or under. Feed oats demand is lower now as well, bids heard around $1.80-2.00/bu picked up. Call us with your specs and we’ll get you a price.
Canola: Canola bids have pulled back and may continue to weaken into the late winter. Brazilian soy bean crop is larger than anticipated pressuring crush plant margins. March – June crush plant bids about $11.50 bu delivered. New crop still a good pricing opportunity – about $10.80/bu delivered.
Peas: Demand for peas is lower with the uncertainty of India’s fumigation issue. There are a few more options for homes for yellows over greens but prices are similar. We still have buyers who will take both greens and yellows if you are looking for a home. Feed peas have not been plentiful this year and buyers are still looking. We did see a small price drop recently but bids are still holding above $6/bu picked up.
Just when we thought spring was in the air, mother nature comes and brings the winter hammer. There are benefits right now with this weather to the seller, such as postponing Road Bans, and colder temperatures which increases feed consumption by 10% per 10 degrees below 0. This may not generate higher prices, but it will keep buyer interest up and possibly slow eroding prices.
Feedlots are 80-90% covered for March and, still wanting to have space to buy as cheaper grain comes to market this spring, are 50% covered for April. No one has a clear sense of what to expect this spring. Obviously, sellers are bullish, and buyers are bearish, but there are too many variables this year to have any clear insight. Let me know your thoughts! You can reach me on Twitter @JosephBillett.
Feed Barley – March: $2.55-2.60/ bushel
*Some offers have still been considered at $2.65-2.75 for March, with the buyer needing the producer to be able to load when called upon.
#2 Green Peas – March-April:
$7.50-8.00 DLVD or $7.28-7.78 FOB
#2 Yellow Peas – March-April:
$7.50-8.00 DLVD or $7.28-7378 FOB
Feed Peas – March-April: $6.40-6.50/bu DLVD
Feed Fabas – March-April: $6.00-6.10/bu DLVD
Canola: *Email Tracy@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a bid!
Call today!!!
1-888-969-5552
*If you’re trying to reach us from outside of Canada this winter, our toll-free number unfortunately will not work, so please reach us at 780-968-1676. 😀
Whether you’re out running around in the cold, or chasing cows and/or shadows…
Keep in touch with us on social media!
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Other buyers call me, and I always tell them that the best service I get is from Agfinity, and that you guys are who I market my grain through.”
– James Thompson, Millet, AB
“Most of our marketing decisions are based off of your newsletter! We really appreciate you sending it out!”
– Phillip & Glenda Collinge, Lloydminster, SK
“I really like the personal touch in the newsletter! Thanks for sending that out!” – Jim Majeski, Camrose, AB
“I really enjoy working with you guys and the transparent service you provide!”
– Kurt Boese, Neilburg, SK
“For the past five years I’ve been dealing with the Agfinity group and what a fantastic group of people they are. From number 1 to feed grain and canola. All the buyers at Agfinity can Make it happen. Fast turn around times on every thing. Movement, payment, and the inbetween that all of us farmers don’t see or care about. Good job to the Agfinity crew and keep on buying our grain.”
– Drann Hogg, Huxley, AB
“Thanks for continuing to send out a newsletter. I read right through it every time, and look forward to crop price updates.”
– Orest Hulowski, Perryvale, AB
“Enjoy reading your newsletter and price updates keep them coming, good job.”
– Peter L .Gross, Standard, AB
Have a testimonial we can share?
Just email us and say something nice about what we do. 🙂
