Insights and Stories of Phil Franz-Warkentin

Oct. 23, 2023 at 5:14 pm CDT

MarketsFarm — Managed money fund traders remain bearish canola, growing the net short position in the ICE Futures market to the second largest level of the past year, according to the latest Commitments of Traders report from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). As of Oct. 17, the net […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Oct. 22, 2023 at 5:40 pm CDT

MarketsFarm — Spring wheat bids in Western Canada were mostly higher during the week ended Thursday, as gains in U.S. futures and weakness in the Canadian dollar provided support. Average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS, 13.5 per cent protein) wheat prices were up by $5-$10.20 per tonne across the Prairies, […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Oct. 19, 2023 at 6:13 pm CDT

MarketsFarm — More feed barley is reportedly making its way into Alberta cattle rations for the time being as recently-harvested supplies are competitive with corn imports from the U.S. While nearby demand is keeping the domestic market reasonably steady, more corn will likely start making its way north over the […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Oct. 18, 2023 at 7:58 pm CDT

MarketsFarm — Ocean freight rates have shown some strength over the past two months, with the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) at its highest level of the past year. The BDI, a major indicator of bulk shipping rates, settled at 2,058 points on Tuesday, marking the first close above 2,000 points […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Oct. 17, 2023 at 3:13 pm CDT

MarketsFarm — Variable weather conditions during the 2023 growing season cut into edible bean production in some key North American growing regions, with tighter supplies overall likely to keep prices well supported. “The whole world is a little short of beans this year,” said Mitch Coulter, executive director of the […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin