New Zealand now has both the wheat and barley growing records. A couple years ago, another farming couple beat a 25-year-old world record with a yield of 13.8 tonnes per hectare for barley, which equates to 256.5/bushels to the acre.
Good for them.
While those yields may not be in our reach anytime soon, pushing the boundaries is what farming is about.
How did the Ashburton farmers achieve the 250 bu/acre feat?
“It’s all about attention to detail, and getting things done at the right time,” Eric Watson proclaimed.
While being skilled at what you do goes a long way, advancements in agriculture have ultimately pushed farming into a whole new world.
“…A new fantastic point of view. No one to tell us no, or where to go… Or say we’re only dreaming.” – Aladdin, aka Prince Ali Ababwa
So, don’t you dare close your eyes... And not just because Aladdin says not to. Advancements in agriculture are being made so quickly, if you blink long enough, you might be left standing in the dust from your neighbour’s new cultivator.
“But it’s dry in our area. And our growing season is the s****s.”
Patience, young grasshopper… Ag scientists are working like behind-the-scenes genies while we sleep.
A whole new world is coming our way. Corn growing excellently with low heat units… Wheat flourishing in dry soil… Barley having so much demand that every bushel yields $5+…
Well, wishes may come in threes, but I suppose not everything can be granted instantaneously. But there’s always next year, right? Every turn is a surprise!!
Sometimes I hear farmers reminiscing about “the good ol’ days”. Back when they could take a little pride in how straight their rows were, without the guidance of automatic steering.
The 21st century has introduced an array of shining, shimmering techniques, not to mention, some splendid equipment for the modern-day farmer. Learning and adapting has never been more important. Or more terrifying.
Though Grandpa will always be right, the definition of good farming is now written by the next generation.
The choice is yours. Stay on the magic carpet ride, experiencing wonder by wonder, over, sideways and under… Or stay inside chilling with your pet tiger while a man named Jafar attempts to steal the farm from you or your parents. (*Any resemblance to actual persons or pets, living or dead is purely coincidental.)
You’ve come this far, haven’t you? … With new horizons to pursue, and last year’s crop to redeem (and possibly still harvest), this spring is guaranteed to be one of the most action-packed we’ve seen in years!
A whole new world… That’s where we’ll be! A thrilling chase. A wondrous place. For you and Agfinity.
“It is an exceptional yield, but I could always do better and that’s my aim. There were things I saw when I was out there in the combine harvester and I thought, yeah, I could do this a whole lot better.”
Barley : After a small rally mid to late March, we started to see demand and prices soften for feed barley early last week. Some good opportunities are still available and we have a buyer paying a slight premium for heavy barley (based 51lbs+). Most feedlots are buying for May-June delivery. April movement is available but bids will reflect demand with little room for counters. If you find yourself saying, ” well, I’ve waited this long“, consider pricing before mid May, even if the price doesn’t rally to the level you’re hoping for.
Wheat: Despite poorer crop conditions compared to last year, the outlook for US winter wheat seems to be improving due to recent rains which prevented wheat futures from coming up yesterday. We still have buyers looking for April-May-June delivery for good quality feed wheat and bids remain much the same – $170-$175/mt delivered central and southern Alberta.
Oats: Milling oat bids haven’t done much in the last couple weeks but have about 5-10 cent per bushel carry into June-July for 2CW oats with moisture 13.5% or lower. 3CW bids are available and typically come in about 20 – 30 cents per bushel under 2CW prices. I have a couple buyers looking for feed oats as well with quick delivery available if needed.
Canola: Canola futures dropped yesterday but closed higher at the end of the day. Delivered crush plant new crop bids now at $10.30/bu. Spot delivered bids $10.90-11.00/ bu delivered. Our current strategy is to help producers lock in basis levels for new/old crop and wait for premiums on the futures.
Peas: More demand seen for peas now that the fumigation issue with India has been extended. Bids for yellows now heard close to $9/bu delivered and greens at $8.50/bu delivered for 2CW. Call us for pricing for higher bleached/3CW greens. Buyers are still looking for feed peas and paying $5.75 – $6.00/bu picked up.
Mail to: 3-5400 50 Street, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1B7
Aladdin today…
The Buyer Brief – by Joseph Billett
Buyers keep asking if we are seeing much spring thrashed grain. We’re hearing about some coming off, but aren’t seeing much yet. Many feedlots and resellers seem to have programs in place to deal with spring thrashed grain. Buyer interest seems to be increasing moving into May-June and New Crop markets as well.
Buyers can be choosy regarding price right now. For example, if a buyer only needs 3-4 lds of Barley to cover their position, and can pick it off at 2.90 FOB, this leaves a lot of offers waiting for $3.00/bu. Rallies and premiums don’t look the same to a buyer as they do a seller and opportunities can be missed by pennies a bushel. Let me know your thoughts you can reach me on Twitter @JosephBillett.
SPRING THRASHED GRAIN:
*We have buyers, but will need the specs. Please get in touch with us once you have a better idea of what you’ll be marketing. Buyers are concerned on quality, predominantly in regards to mice/deer excreta.
Canola: …What price should you be targeting? Give Jared@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email with your legal land description and he’ll get you a price!
*If you can load during road bans and seeding, targets at $2.60-2.65 picked-up are still being considered for May movement. Have some to move…? Call or email to place a target prior to spring harvest / seeding time!
Canola: …What price should you be targeting? Give Jared@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email with your legal land description and he’ll get you a price!
Feed Barley – April-May-June: $2.70-2.75/ bushel NEW CROP: September-October $2.80/bushel
Feed Wheat – April-May-June: $4.15-4.28/ bushel
Please get in touch before May to place a target!
#1/2 CPSR WHEAT – Bids have been under pressure. Old crop targets around $4.55-4.60 picked-up are still triggering for April-May-June. New crop targets up to $5 picked-up November through next February are still being considered.
Canola: Delivered bids have been under $11, but targets will continued to be looked at. Give us a call to discuss, or email Jared@Agfinity.com with your legal land description and he’ll get you a price !
Feed Barley – April-May-June: $2.80-2.90/ bushel NEW CROP: September-October $3.00-3.05/bushel
Feed Wheat – April-May-June: $4.35-4.45/ bushel
*Please get in touch before May to place a target!
#1/2 CPSR WHEAT – Bids have been under pressure. Old crop targets around $4.65 picked-up have been triggering. New crop targets at $5 picked-up are still being considered.
Canola: Delivered bids have been under $11, but targets will continued to be looked at. Give us a call to discuss, or email Jared@Agfinity.com with your legal land description and he’ll get you a price!
Feed Wheat – April-May-June: $4.35-4.45/bushel *Quick movement opportunities available. Call to inquire!
#1/2 CPSR WHEAT – Bids have been under pressure. Old crop targets around $4.65 picked-up have been triggering. New crop targets at $5 picked-up are still being considered.
Canola: Delivered bids have been under $11, but targets will continued to be looked at. Give us a call to discuss, or email Jared@Agfinity.com with your legal land description and he’ll get you a price!
Canola: Bids have softened as of late. What price should you be targeting? Give Tracy@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email her with your legal land description and she’ll get you a price!
Canola: Delivered bids have been under $11, but targets will continued to be looked at. Give Jared@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email with your legal land description and he’ll get you a price!
Canola: Bids have softened as of late. What price should you be targeting? Give Tracy@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email with your legal land description and she’ll get you a price!
Canola: Bids have softened as of late. What price should you be targeting? Give Tracy@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email with your legal land description and she’ll get you a price!
Canola: Bids have softened as of late. What price should you be targeting? Give Tracy@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email with your legal land description and she’ll get you a price!
Feed Fabas – April-May: $5.75-6.00 DLVD or $5.53-5.78 FOB
Canola: Bids have softened as of late. What price should you be targeting? Give Tracy@Agfinity.com a call to discuss, or email with your legal land description and she’ll get you a price!
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 in the house, combine or seeder this spring…
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. 🙂
