As humans, we can’t help but find comfort when others are struggling. It’s a little messed up. But, at the same time, I think there’s good reason why we’re able to extract joy from each other’s pain. Today’s write-up unearths the hidden treasures found in shared experiences.
I’m a member of a weekly movie club. For nearly three and a half years, we’ve been getting together on Tuesday evenings. Usually, the very first thing we do is share our struggles. We also share our victories, but those are saved for extra-special occasions. Luckily for us, nothing pleases our group more than hearing each other recount their latest failure and/or unfortunate experience. And the bigger the disaster, the bigger the smiles on everyone’s faces…
Weird right? We’re a bit strange that way. But, you know, the cathartic release you get from laughing at your friends’ pain is unbelievable. Laughter is the best medicine. Laughing at your friend’s misery is something even greater.
Using this same logic, I thought, what better time to share some quotes we’ve recorded from farmers across the prairies over the last few weeks. We hope their pain helps cheer you up a bit! After all, “we’re all in this together!”
“I woke up this morning after the most wonderful dream… Everything was harvested. The machinery was put away. And would you believe… you called with a premium for wheat, barley and canola testing over 20% moisture!? … Huh…? Just a dream? Okay, well I’m going back to bed.”
– Peter, Lacombe area
“Good news, Jared. After retesting a few samples, I realized they’re a full percentage point lower from when I had been crying over them before testing.”
– Gilbert, Parkland County
“On the bright side, I planned ahead and bought a grain dryer this year. If it warms up, I might even be able to afford using it this year.”
– David, Athabasca area
“What can I say about this harvest…? Without the use of so-called expletives and so-called nasty language…? I would say my so-called, good, Christian upbringing is sure being tested… Mother Nature could be a little kinder I think!”
– Jim, Camrose area
This next one is a little more optimistic… Sorry.
“… Now it’s testing as high as the ducks in the sky… Going to wait and perhaps jig out a sun dance. That with a whole lot of hope we get one last run before old man winter sinks his teeth into us for good!”
– Joe from Big Lakes
In times of adversity, how do you handle yourself?
Do you run? Hide? Fight? Fall into despair…? Or all of the above? … And sometimes, all in one day…
It’s okay to laugh in the face of hardship. It’s even okay to cry. I think – where we let things get the best of us – is when we shut off completely.
Let’s not let that happen!
If you have a story to share – funny, sad or mad – please do! We’d love to hear how you’re dealing with things this year!
And please come by for a visit on one of our social media accounts. Click one of the links below!
Market Report – by Nelson Neumann
Barley: In the past two weeks there has been an increase in barley pricing in the Lethbridge area market for short term / quick movement sales. Barley has been landing in as high as $250/MT or $5.44/bushel an increase of around $10/mt. This however doesn’t last as, instead of ramping up into spring 2019, the bids drop. If you have dry feed grain, now may be the time to sell. In the Edmonton area, there is an opposite story where tough barley is flooding the market. Finding a home that could even take high moisture barley is a challenge. The barley harvest in Alberta is estimated to be overall just under 50% complete.
Wheat: As anticipated, there has been a surge of feed wheat hitting the market. Some livestock operations have switched from primarily barley to primarily wheat. Wheat was moving as high as 20% moisture, but there is a limit of how much high moisture product buyers can handle and it appears as though they have reached or are nearing that limit. The market for high moisture quick movement feed wheat’s floor has collapsed. Dry feed wheat that can move however is in high demand in the Calgary area. The poor weather has delayed the wheat harvest which is currently estimated to be just over 50% complete in Alberta.
Oats: The oats market has seen a rally in certain pockets of the prairies. Prices in Alberta have been holding steady but saw a considerable jump in Manitoba and south east Saskatchewan. Similar to Canola, the oat harvest is approximately 20% complete in Alberta, substantially less than the Canadian average of 50%.
Canola:Canola markets have been trudging upwards. The harvest being delayed is supporting the Canola market, however, poor margins at the moment for crushers is pulling back demand. Some crushers have reduced their hours of operations due to these lower margins. The Alberta canola harvest is only estimated to be 20% complete, well behind the Canadian average of 50%.
Peas: In the yellow pea market, news came that India was extending their restrictions until the end of 2018. Undeterred by this news, the pea market continues its mild climb with most areas of Alberta being able to hit $6.00/bu FOB farm. Green Peas have also seen an uptick in pricing and there is also demand for some specialty varieties.
Corn: Western Canada isn’t the only place getting an excessive amount of moisture. The American Midwest corn belt is also being delayed by precipitation. Corn is landing into southern Alberta feedlots at $238-$240/MT for October-November.
It sure doesn’t feel like it, but from what were seeing and hearing, Saskatchewan and Alberta are close to 50% harvested. And currently in Alberta, Canola and Oats are still mostly unharvested. The frustration is just as prevalent for the buyers as the sellers, who have September and October grain booked and are unable to receive it because it’s still in the field. Prices have steadily been falling, leveraged in line with feed grains that are being harvested. Many buyers are doing what they can to take higher moisture grain but are reaching their max capacity to blend as more and more tough grain hits the market.
Sellers take note: We are seeing larger tonnage lots from sellers with the ability to dry their grain. Which makes the grain that is higher moisture or needing quick movement feeling like the kid in the corner at the school dance. Buyers are being more and more elusive on giving bids for higher moisture grain. We are doing our best to bring back bids as they come our way. Right now is the time to post your offer before the remaining 50% floods the market!
“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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