Instant oatmeal. Instant noodles. Instant replay. Instant messaging. Instant Googling… And farming… How come there’s no instant farming!!? … Or even “on-time” farming…? Heck! We’d be satisfied with “slightly-behind-schedule” farming!!
Years before pledging my allegiance to Canadian farmers, I worked for a concrete company. Though it was our boss’ preference for the concrete to set as quickly as we worked, we struggled to appreciate the mysterious deadline that hung over us. Sometimes it was a cloud, beckoning rain. Other times, it was the concrete itself, drying up faster than Leonardo DiCaprio’s tears after a Canadian winter’s mockery of global warming theories… Even in the calm before the storm, as we goofed around waiting for the sounds of the concrete truck, our boss would half-jokingly say, “Boys, hurry up and wait!! Would you please!?”
After another delayed start to spring, I know exactly how he must have felt. When there’s work to do, waiting is the worst!! Except when it comes to calving in the cold… But good luck getting a cow to hold off on giving birth!
We’ve all been a little spoiled on instant oatmeal and noodles, but when it comes to seeding, the least Mother Nature could do is meet us in the middle, don’t you think? After all, I meet Canada Revenue in the middle every year by filing my tax return the day before it’s due.
Farm life has its setbacks. But the difference between a successful farmer and an unsuccessful farmer often boils down to one characteristic: mental toughness.
Here are two tricks I try to implement when waiting in a hurry:
1) Do something for somebody else! If we can’t shed our own stress, reap the benefits of serving somebody else’s needs. It’s a great stress relief and will make you feel good. I’m talking reeeeal good! My parents helped me paint half my house this past weekend to surprise Michelle, who was on a girl’s trip. Though I had every reason to be tired after that, I felt rejuvenated and stress-free. And I bet if you asked my dad, his neck and back are aching with pride! (Happy 37th anniversary today Mom & Dad!!)
2. Be thankful for what you have! No matter how frustrating farming can be, what you get from it is worth more than a million bags of the best hybrid canola seed! Even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time.
Easier said than done, we know… But we dare you to try and prove us wrong. We’re going to want proof though! So, if you do something nice while being thankful for it, have someone take a picture of you frowning, and make sure to send it to us. We’ll even share it on our social media accounts and admit our mistakes.
…Before you skip down to Nelson’s market report, and Joseph’s buyer brief and grain pricing, allow me to describe what I see outside this morning… Blue skies and sunshine! The forecast looks promising too! 😉
Speaking of spring… Make sure to check out our high jumping trades, resilient core values and how we can help you at www.Agfinity.com! And please come by for a visit on one of our social media accounts. Simply click one of the links below!
Funny, but not funny. But funny… Ahh. Not funny.
Market Report – by Nelson Neumann
Barley:Barley bids continue to remain strong with supply being crippled by road bans and soft yards. Feedlot alley is seeing bids as high as $260/MT. As of now, bids appear consistent across the summer, driving a high demand from sellers for quick movement. There is a developing market in China for Canadian feed barley that makes it an intriguing option for seeding.
Wheat: Feed wheat prices like other feed grains continue to hold strong. Seeing bids in the $240-245 for southern Alberta. Milling wheat prices on the other hand continue to slump, being plagued by transportation issues. Threat of Canadian Pacific teamsters going on strike looms over the already roughly 50% unfulfilled orders by the railway company. The ruble also slid this week, increasing eastern Europe’s control on global pricing.
Oats: The market for milling oats remains static. Many buyers are satiated and looking for May-June delivery. Although not at the same level as barley, feed oats bids have also increased and may be a good option if you’re needing quick movement or cash flow solutions.
Canola:An increase in the Canadian Dollar mildly decreased the currency export advantage, stalling canola bids. The very late spring and erratic weather continue to cause uncertainty, but so far hasn’t caused any hefty declines.
Peas: Yellow Pea bids are at long last trending in the right direction. After holding for $7 delivered across Alberta many buyers are now bidding $7.25 and even peaking at $7.50 for limited tonnage in some parts of south eastern Saskatchewan. New crop bids for the fall are around $7.00-7.15. Peas remain a market to watch as global trade tension escalates as a change in India’s tariff policy could instantly boost bids $1-$1.50/bu!
The Feed Buyer Brief – Joseph Billett
With the weather still not totally cooperating, buyers have been aggressively covering their positions and paying whatever it takes to do it. Not much has changed from the buyers perspective, other than putting on more new crop contracts than we have seen in a while. With the fear of lower carryover numbers for barley this year, feedlots and resellers are doing all they can to secure product into the summer months. Feed wheat seems to not have as much urgency behind it, but bids are still holding firm and have trended up moderately.
Buyers are trying to think ahead and are buying accordingly to try to put a cap on the pricing runaway. Not totally sure if this strategy will work, but now is the time to lock in premiums for spot movement and new crop.
Feed pricing is currently stronger. Call to discuss strategy!
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
#2HRS 13% Protein $6.15-6.17/bushel picked up Protein discounts are HUGE right now. If your protein is 11% or under, you may see better pricing into the feed market.
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
May-July: $2.75/ bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
April-June: $2.25-2.60/ bushel
– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
April-June: $8.60-8.65/bu picked up
3% bleached or less – call for higher bleached.
– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-June-July: $6.96-7.00/bu picked up
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
April-June: $6.00-6.25/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
April-June: $6.00-6.40/ bushel
– CANOLA @ the bin
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Nelson@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!
“No matter who I talk to at Agfinity, you always take care of things. You guys are so great to work with!”
– James Taylor, Leslieville, AB
“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 seven 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
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