Many livestock producers are facing higher prices for feed heading into winter. An Alberta Agriculture and Forestry analyst says while prices are down from highs in July, prices overall are higher than they were a year ago.
“From July to August we’ve seen barley and wheat prices fall about eight per cent in southern Alberta,” says Jason Wood, provincial livestock market analyst, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton. “Oats are down 3%, peas are down 4% and canola meal is down 1%.”
Wood says, despite the declines, prices are up from a year ago. “For instance, feed barley is about 24% higher than last summer and wheat is 20% higher. However, peas and oats are only about 2% higher.”
In terms of July hay prices, Wood says they were a bit of surprise.
“The data from the Alberta Average Farm Input Prices shows that the average Alberta 50 percent alfalfa hay price went up 70% from June, and has more than doubled from a year ago. However, we may see prices soften a bit as we go into fall and potentially see more greenfeed come onto the market, and also as producers get a better idea what their winter feed needs will be.”
Source : Agriculture and Forestry