Insights and Stories of Phil Franz-Warkentin

Icelandic volcano not seen influencing cropping weather

Apr. 18, 2010 at 8:32 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — The volcanic eruption in Iceland April 14 now disrupting air traffic in Europe was likely not large enough to influence weather patterns and crop development in North America this summer, according to U.S. meteorologist Drew Lerner. Travellers moving through Europe continue to experience delays because of […]

Commodity funds hold large canola short positions

Apr. 15, 2010 at 3:34 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Pulse, swine, barley trade deals set with China

Apr. 15, 2010 at 2:09 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Flaxseed exports up, low prices create demand

Apr. 14, 2010 at 10:52 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Barley bids firm, larger spring rally unlikely

Apr. 13, 2010 at 1:34 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Oats show firmness, upside likely limited

Apr. 12, 2010 at 3:49 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — Oats prices in both the Chicago futures and western Canadian cash markets have shown some improvement off nearby lows in recent weeks, but the fundamental outlook remains neutral to bearish, which may limit any further strength. After setting a low of US$2.05 3/4 per bushel in […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Canola crush margins hold strong despite loonie

Apr. 8, 2010 at 5:15 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — Canola crush margins have improved over the past week, despite the strong Canadian dollar, and appear set to hold around their current levels, according to a trader who follows the margins. Crush margins provide an indication of how much money processors are making at any given […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Canada’s hemp acres on the rise

Apr. 7, 2010 at 3:28 pm CDT

Corrected, April 7 (Resource News International) — Canadian farmers are expected to grow more hemp this year, as demand for both the seed and fibre is increasing, and the crop can offer good returns to producers, according to an industry official. “This year there is a lot of optimism in […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Pea ending stocks likely large, could grow

Apr. 6, 2010 at 5:44 pm CDT

(Resource News International) –– Large pea supplies in Western Canada could be even more burdensome in the upcoming 2010-11 crop year, as farmers will still be looking to put a pulse in their rotations despite the lower prices. “It’s looking like we’ll have a million tonnes of peas left over […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Lentils stuck in stalemate

Apr. 5, 2010 at 10:26 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — Lentil buyers and sellers in Western Canada remain at a stalemate, with farmers reluctant to make many sales at current prices and end-users holding out for cheaper new-crop supplies. “Growers are hanging onto what they have left for lentils, particularly red lentils, so it’s been difficult […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin