Feed weekly outlook: Barley, wheat prices among highest ever

MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices continue to push higher following a somewhat disappointing harvest on the Prairies this year, according to Glen Loyns, general manager of JGL Commodities at Moose Jaw, Sask.

“We’re seeing upticks on all feed. Everything is up. You’re seeing high prices on wheat and barley. And you’re going to continue to see that until you get more importations of corn into this feed market, which is starting to happen now,” he said.

While feed barley across the Prairies has been mostly steady this week, over the last month prices have climbed 15-44 cents per bushel, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire.

Feed barley in Saskatchewan gained that 15 cents on the month, with prices at $7.50-$8.15/bu. Alberta saw the high end of 44 cents, with prices between $7.50 to $9.47/bu. In Manitoba barley has risen 35 cents/bu., with prices in a very narrow range of $8.24-$8.25/bu.

Wheat has been on the upswing this month as well as during the week. In Saskatchewan prices gained 75 cents over the last 30 days at $8-$11/bu. Prices in Alberta were up 68 cents, between $9.50 and $12.11/bu. Those in Manitoba were up 65 cents at $10-$10.72/bu.

Loyns said this year’s drought has played a huge factor in prices skyrocketing as supplies for feed are severely limited.

“I don’t think I’ve never seen any prices this high, sustained prices at this level,” he said, noting corn imports from the U.S. are being targeted into Saskatchewan and Alberta.

— Glen Hallick reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.