Feed Grain Weekly: Higher export prices could push up those for feed

Glacier FarmMedia — If there’s one bright spot in the Prairie feed grain market that would be export prices for barley and wheat. Susanne Leclerc of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton said the grain elevators have upped their prices in order to meet export demand.

As with the other grain markets, that for feed has been coming out of the holidays in which little activity took place.

“It’s a very complicated market this week,” Leclerc said. “Export barley is picking up especially in the Edmonton region.”

Leclerc said the elevators are offering up to C$5.45 per bushel for March-April compared to C$5/bu. for feed picked up in the Edmonton, Camrose and Red Deer areas.

CGC data

The Canadian Grain Commission reported for the week ended Jan. 4, that year-to-date 2025/26 barley exports were nearly 1.41 million tonnes compared to 1.07 million the same time last year. Meanwhile, domestic use has slipped to 566,900 tonnes from 642,500.

For wheat, cumulative exports reached 10.06 million tonnes, up from 8.71 million a year ago. Domestic use of 1.97 million tonnes was behind last year’s 2.40 million.

“If feeders are not well covered, they’re going to have to pick up their socks,” Leclerc said. “But it seems like they’re getting grain from (southern Alberta) and they’re not having to compete with those export prices yet.”

As for wheat, she said those for export have fetched around C$7/bu. delivered. In turn, the export prices could soon require the feeders to raise their prices for barely and wheat.

Meanwhile, Leclerc said the snowy conditions in the Edmonton region has been something of damper on farmer deliveries. However, those increasing barley and wheat prices could provide, “some motivation to sell.”

Prairie Ag Hotwire

Prairie Ag Hotwire reported feed barley prices for the week ended Jan. 7 were unchanged. The delivered prices in Alberta remained at C$4.50 to C$5.88/bu., Saskatchewan held at C$4.50 to C$4.75/bu. and Manitoba was unchanged at C$4.50 to C$4.53/bu.

As for wheat, Alberta saw a five-cent increase to C$6.07 to C$7.62/bu. delivered, while Saskatchewan was steady at C$6.88/bu. and Manitoba lost seven cents at C$5.69/bu.