It’s the end of March and the seasons are changing; however, spring is not the only season coming in. It’s also election season. I’m not going to bore you with my political opinions, but rather look at social forces at play in both agricultural issues and on display during the election: a lack of trust and communication.
In the agri-food business there is an ideological gap between the consumer and producer that continues to widen. This is in part due to the shift of where people live and work: from ~30% of citizens working in agriculture in the 30’s to 2% through the late 80’s to now. Since the 80’s that number has remained relatively constant yet the ideological gap continues to widen despite the greatest increase in communication potential since the printing press – ubiquitous internet. Why then has this gap continued to diverge? In my opinion a lack of trust in the individual, the economic systems and the so called merchants of doubt.
In 1776 Scottish Economist published his magnum opus Wealth of Nations . In this he laid the foundations for which modern economics is built on, and outlines the responsibilities of the individual in this system. The three key ideas is that with industrialization comes specialization, standardization and centralization. It is more efficient to break up production through specialized division of labor. The other key idea is that the individual does his job not out of benevolence for his neighbors but for their own economic interest and through this the needs of society are met.
In both the provincial election and the agri-food industry the involved parties failing to consider the other’s interest and focusing on tearing opposing viewpoints down rather than celebrating compromises. Many consumers are concerned with the environmental impact of modern agriculture yet fail to take into account the producer’s bottom line, and their need to make a living. Many of the safe yet vilified practices are essential to turn a profit. Similarly, if the end consumer has environmental concerns, incorporating some environmentally friendly practices where possible adds value to the product. As long as the consumer is willing to pay for what they value this is how the invisible hand works.
“Merchants of doubt” are these organizations who turn a profit by spreading information, sometimes with negative consequences. A member of my family recently watched a series of documentary vilifying the meat industry, both its treatment of animals as well as its environmental consequences. She developed strong negative opinions of farming practices without ever having worked on a farm or having interactions with animals besides household cats. The documentary as a work of entertainment is designed to shock and enrage the viewer, not to provide a transparent unbiased view on a complex issue.
In conclusion, both in the upcoming election and in the discourse surrounding issues in the agriculture industry I would encourage everyone to have an open mind, listen to opposing viewpoints and trust that despite having our own interests closest to our hearts we are working together to make the world a better place. Through education and open communication the producer can help shed light to the consumer about the challenges they face and all the work that goes into meeting the consumer’s ever changing demands.
This is my first time writing one of these, if I’m wrong or you have any feed back please send me an email at Nelson@agfinity.com Thanks!
Nelson Neumann
1-888-969-5552
Market Report – by Clayton Lockhart and Erin Harakal
Barley: This past week barley prices have softened as we enter road ban season. Hitting peak prices a few weeks ago right before road bans. We are currently seeing barley bids at a $265/MT delivered into the Lethbridge area. New crop barley pricing has made a slight fall as well to a $220/MT delivered into feedlot alley for September through October movement with carry into the following months. With canola struggling barley may be seeing greater acres being put in this spring. Securing a profitable level in spring and summer may be a good idea.
Wheat: Feed wheat markets over the last few weeks seem to have let off slightly, sitting in the low to mid 250’s/MT delivered into Feedlot alley(Lethbridge/Picture Butte) area. Milling wheat CPSR Prices seem to be in and around the same as feed pricing. As for HRS We’re seeing between 261-267/MT Delivered into the Calgary Area.
Oats: The oats market has been a bright light in the grain industry the last few months. Milling quality oats have been very hard to find this past year and pricing has reflected that. Prices have been around a $3.70/bu delivered into the Edmonton Area. As demand increases the price seems to reflect that.Feed oats have been an exceptional price as well ranging from $2.80/bu to $3.00/bu picked up on the farm.
Canola: It’s no surprise by now, due to china blocking trade licenses from both Richardson Pioneer and Viterra prices seem to have little hope of recovering in the near future. Central Alberta canola pricing now pushing below $10/bu picked up on farm
Peas: Yellow pea pricing have came out of it’s slumber and we have seen a decrease in pricing to a $6.75-$7.00/bu delivered. For yellow peas we have started to see our first glimpse at new crop pricing. New crop yellow pea pricing is ranging from a $6.50-$7.00/ bu delivered for September-October movement. Green peas have in been short supply and the pricing has reflected this at a $12.50/bu delivered. Even though this price may have softened a bit it is still a very competitive number. With the pricing being so hot this may entice a few more green pea acres this coming spring. New crop bids for green peas can be found at a $8.50/bu-$9.00/bu delivered for August-October movement. Feed peas has seen firm pricing the last little bit at a $6.75/bu delivered. In some locations feed pea pricing can be seen almost the same as #2 yellow pricing.
The Feed Buyer Brief – by Sandra Correia-Letendre
Ice cream isn’t the only thing softening with the warmer weather, grain markets have as well. Feedlots have been quieter as they are full for spring, while some grain companies are still needing inventory. Overall you definitely notice that buyers are bidding less aggressively.
What is a hot subject, is our Cash Crop Canola. China, the biggest importer for Canadian Canola blocked Canada and Richardson Pioneer as well as widened their ban to include Viterra. China’s customs authority stated earlier this month that it found pests in the Canola. Was there really pests? True or False? You decide.
What does this mean to buyers? This has turned the current Canadian canola market into a buyer’s market. It will likely cause seeded canola acres to go down which again will influence the market. Currently some buyers don’t know what to bid with the uncertainty of the market, “I’m staying away from Canola”, quoted a northern Alberta buyer. Producers still holding tight with the prices they are hoping to get -time is ticking for the current supply of this commodity. Heated Canola on the other hand is less of a risk to buyers because it is used for feed so there is still action on this. Buyers keep a close eye on the market, producers need to open their bins and sell cash crop at some point if producers don’t want to find themselves in a loss situation. As stated, the Canola market has been volatile. Something buyers and producers don’t like is volatility. Hopefully this situation can figure it’s way out.
Call Jared, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
March: $4.05-4.10/ bushel
April-July: $4.15-4.25/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct: $3.30/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.40/ bushel
Jan-Mar: $3.45/ bushel
Apr-June: $3.50-3.55/ bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March-April: $5.20-5.35/ bushel
May-June: $5.25-5.35/ bushel
– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
March-July: Feed pricing currently stronger.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
March-May: $6.40-6.90/ bushel picked-up based 13-13.5% protein.
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-April 2019: $3.00/ bushel
May-August 2019: $2.85-2.95/ bushel
*Higher pricing available for excellent colour.
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-April: $2.20-2.30/ bushel, depending on quality
– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
March-May: $10.75/ bushel
– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.05/ bushel picked-up
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March: $6.00/ bushel
– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
March-May: $9.80/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.00/ bushel
– CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th):
Based Max 2% Green!
March-April: $8.80-8.90/ bushel
May-July: $9.00/ bushel
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Jared@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!
… Need a price for something else? Please email or give me a call!
Picked-Up Grande Prairie Area Bids
Call Jared, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
Mar: $4.45-4.55/ bushel
Apr-Aug: $4.60-4.65/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct: $3.65/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.70-3.75/ bushel
Jan-Mar: $3.75-3.90/ bushel
Apr-June: $3.90-4.00/ bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March- 1st 1/2 April: $5.65-5.75/ bushel
Last 1/2 April – June: $5.70-5.80/ bushel
… Good protein? Falling # 285-300 or better? We are seeing an additional $0.25/bu.
– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
March-May: Feed pricing currently stronger.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
March-May: $6.50-7.00 picked-up based 13-13.5+% protein.
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-April 2019: $3.05-3.20/ bushel
May-August: $3.05-3.15/ bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin
March: $2.60-2.75/ bushel, depending on quality
– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
March-May: $11.20/ bushel
– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
April-May: $6.35-6.45/ bushel
– FEED PEAS @ the bin:
March-June: $6.00-6.25/ bushel
– 2CW FABA BEANS @ the bin
March-May: $10.20/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-May: $5.90-6.00/ bushel
– CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th)
Based Max 2% Green!
March: $9.05-9.20/ bushel
April-July: $9.30-9.40/ bushel
Call Jared@Agfinity.com to discuss canola or email with your legal land description to get a price!
Call Jared, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
March: $4.70-4.75/ bushel
April-August: $4.80-4.90/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct: $3.70-3.80/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.85-3.90/ bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March: $5.85-5.95/ bushel
April-June: $5.95-6.00/ bushel
– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
March-July: Currently lower than feed.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
March-July: $6.50-6.85/bu picked-up (13-13.5% protein).
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-Apr 2019: $3.40-3.45/ bushel
May-August 2019: $3.35-3.40/ bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-April: $2.75-2.90/ bushel depending on quality
– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
March-May: $11.50/ bushel
– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-May: 6.45/ bushel
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.30-6.50/ bushel
– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
March-May: $10.25-10.50/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.25-6.40/ bushel
– #1 CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th)
Mar-April: $9.50/ bushel
May-Jun: $9.55-9.70/ bushel
Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
March: $4.95-$5.00bushel
April-May: $5.00/bushel
June-July: $5.05/bushel
NEW CROP
sept-Oct: $4.00/bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.05/bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March: $5.90-$5.95/bushel
April-May: $5.95-$6.00/bushel
June-July: $6.05/bushel
** If graded a feed but is dry and has adequate protein (13%+) and falling number over 300, there is a premium available ***
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-April: $3.35
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to #2CW bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-April: $2.80-$3.00/ bushel depending on quality.
– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
March-April: $11.90/bu picked up
3% bleached or less – call for higher bleached.
– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-April $6.40 picked up
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.15-6.35/bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.25-$6.50
Call Jared, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
March: $4.90/ bushel
April-August: $5.00-5.05/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct: $4.00/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.15-4.20/ bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March-April: $6.05-6.20/ bushel
… Good protein? Falling # 285-300 or better? We are seeing an additional $0.25/bu.
– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
March-July: Feed pricing is currently stronger.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
March-July: $6.50-6.85/bu picked up based 13-13.5% protein.
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-May: $3.40-3.50/ bushel
June-August: $3.30-3.40/ bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-June: $2.90-3.10/ bushel, depending on quality
– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
March-May: $11.63/ bushel
– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.60-6.70/ bushel
– FEED PEAS @ the bin:
March-April: $6.50-6.65/ bushel
– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
March-May: $10.60-10.65/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.40-6.50/ bushel
– CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th)
March: $9.50-9.55
April-July: $9.60-9.70/ bushel
Call Jared, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
April: $5.00-5.10/ bushel
May-August: $5.20-5.30/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct: $4.05/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.15-4.20/ bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March: $5.90-6.6.10/ bushel
April-June: $6.10-6.40/ bushel
(Good protein? Falling # 285-300 or better? We are seeing an additional $0.25/bu.)
– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
March-June: Feed Wheat bids currently stronger.
– #1/#2 HRS Wheat:
March-June: $6.50-6.90/bu picked-up based 13-13.5% protein.
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-May: $3.40/ bushel
June-August: $3.40-3.45/ bushel
*Additional premiums available for excellent colour!
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-April: $2.90-3.10/ bushel
– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
March-May: $11.50/ bushel
– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.60-6.70/ bushel
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.75/ bushel
– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
March-May: $10.50/ bushel
– 3CW FABAS @ the bin:
March-May: $9.25/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.40-6.50/ bushel
– CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th)
March-April: $9.50/ bushel
May-July: $9.60-9.70/ bushel
Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
April-May: $5.00-$5.05/bushel
June-July: $5.05-$5.10/bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct: $4.05/bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.05-$4.10/bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March: $6.00/bushel
April-May: $6.00-$6.05
June-July: $6.00-$6.05
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-April: $3.45/bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-April: $2.90-$3.10/ bushel depending on quality.
– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
March-April: $11.40-$11.50/bushel
Max 3% bleach: *Call or email on higher bleach.
– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.60/bushel
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.75/bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-April $7.00/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!
Picked-Up Red Deer Area Bids
Call Jared, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
April-May: $5.18-5.25/ bushel
June-July: $5.20-5.25/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct: $4.20/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.20-4.25/ bushel
Jan-Mar: $4.30-$4.35/ bushel
Apr-June: $4.45-4.50/ bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March: $6.25/ bushel
April-June: $6.25-6.40/ bushel
… Good protein? Falling # 285-300 or better? We are seeing an additional $0.25/bu.
– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
March-July: Currently under feed values.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
March-June: $6.50-7.00/ bu picked-up based 13-13.5% protein.
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (Subject to sample):
March: $3.30-3.40/ bushel
April-August: $3.35-3.45/ bushel
*Additional premiums available for excellent colour.
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS:
March: $2.80-3.00/ bushel, depending on quality
– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
March-May: $11.50/ bushel
– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.90-7.00/ bu
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.75-6.90/ bushel
– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
March-May: $10.40/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March-May: $6.50/ bushel
– CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th)
Feb-March: $9.50-9.60/ bushel
April-July: $9.70-9.80/ bushell
Picked-Up Coronation Area Bids
Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
March: $5.15-$5.20/bushel
April-May: $5.20-$5.25
June-July: $5.25-$5.20
*premiums can be found for barley 52 lbs/bu
NEW CROP
Sept-Oct: $4.30-4.35/bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.35-$4.40/bushel
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March: $6.20/bushel
April-May: $6.20-$6.25/bushel
June-July: $6.30
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March-April: $3.38/bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-April: $2.80-$3.00 depending on quality.
– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
March-April: $11.08/bushel
Max 3% bleach
*Call or email on higher bleach.
– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.55-$6.60/bushel
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March: $6.50/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
March: $6.15-$6.25/ bushel
Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
April-May: $5.40-$5.44
June-July: $5.50
September/October New Crop: $4.40
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
April-May: $6.35/bushel
June-July: $6.40-$6.45/bushel
** If graded a feed but is dry and has adequate protein (13%+) and falling number over 300, there is a premium available ***
– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
March – July: $3.40-$3.45
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to #2CW bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March – June: $3.00-$3.25/ bushel depending on quality.
– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
March – June: $12.25-$12.35/bu picked up
3% bleached or less – call for higher bleached.
– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March – June $6.85 picked up
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March – May: $6.85/bushel
Picked-Up Brooks Area Area Bids
Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3
– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
March: $5.45-$5.50/bushel
April-May: $5.50/bushel
June-July: $5.50-$5.55/bushel
September/October New Crop: $4.50-$4.55
– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
March: $6.40-$6.45/bushel
April-May: $6.45-$6.50
June-July: $6.55
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
March-April: $2.80-$3.00/ bushel depending on quality.
– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
March-April: $11.89/bu picked up
– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
March-April: $6.40/bushel picked up
– FEED PEAS @ the bin
March-April:$6.60/ bushel
Dlvd Lethbridge / Picture Butte Bids
Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3
– FEED BARLEY :
March: $5.71-$5.78/bushel
April-May: $5.78-$5.82/bushel
June-July: $5.78-$5.82/bushel
September/October New Crop: $4.75
– FEED WHEAT :
March: $6.80-$6.87/bushel
April-May: $6.85-$6.87/bushel
June-July: $6.85/bushel
– FEED OATS :
March-May:$3.50/ bushel depending on quality.
– GREEN PEAS :
March-April: $12.30
*Based 3% bleach. Higher % bleached give us a call!
– YELLOW PEAS
March-April: $7.15
– FEED PEAS
March-April: $7.00-$7.15/ bushel delivered
– FEED FABAS
March-April: $7.00-$7.50/bushel delivered
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
– Jim Majeski, Camrose, AB
– 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
