Seek to Understand Rather than be Understood

By May 8, 2019Newsletter

It sure feels like everyone is fixing for a fight.  What am I talking about? Well . . ., where do I start? It could be how we got to the NAFTA 2.0 (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)), Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump, and pretty much Donald Trump and everyone else. We also experienced the slugfest which was the provincial election between two parties but, let’s be honest, really between two people who weren’t as focused on your voting for their party as much as that you don’t vote for them or you’re a (insert insult here).  Now we’re fighting about a pipeline that, when you ask around, we can’t find the person that doesn’t want it but I know there is some group feeling that they haven’t been heard and are gearing up for a fight.  Then, finally we have Huawei executives being detained and then China finding bugs in our Canola, and now here we are.  I’m no news writer but, that’s a rough synopsis of some of the fights that we’ve experienced and are still duking out.

I am no communication savant, and there are very well-paid negotiators and strategists behind all these disputes, but I want to touch on why we struggle so hard to resolve conflict. In my limited experience with conflict and miscommunication it usually comes down to wanting to prove that the other side is wrong or winning or, more importantly, the other side losing.  Sometimes its as simple as wanting to tell them what I think of them or what I think is wrong with them or how they do things.  The struggle with wanting all those things is that it doesn’t get you any closer to resolution.  In a conflict if the purpose is walking away with an agreement, that needs to be the focus. Just like with anything, it starts with putting aside emotions and finger pointing and tackling the issues one at a time.  “Seek to understand rather than be understood” – Steven Covey.  It amazing how many times in the altercations that I come across with my family, my customers, and even my team members it always comes down to understanding the problem from their perspective and having empathy.

Again, I know how easy it is for me to say this in a newsletter, when these huge billion-dollar issues swarm around. If we could just listen and stop threatening and then, maybe just maybe, listen a bit more to understand rather than fighting to be understood resolution might become easier.  At Agfinity a small part of what you pay us for is to mediate disputes, either for spec discounts, logistics, or even late payment. We’re also negotiating just to get both parties the price and timeframe they want for their grain.  The biggest thing that we try to do is listen to both parties and communicate the facts as best as possible, making sure the lines of communication are always open.  I don’t think there is a greater way to escalate conflict than lack of response, or the thought that no communication will help the other party capitulate if we say nothing.  In sales, silence works, not in open negotiations. It just gets the other side looking for a bigger stick.

Well, that’s my two cents on political and world conflict.  If we do have an issue or disagreement, let us know. Please communicate with us.  We truly want to listen and help both parties come to a resolution.  Unfortunately, we don’t do weather, so hopefully seeding is going well and a few nice days string together for you and then the moisture is welcome to come back except in Ontario.

Farming is forever – Joseph Billett

1-888-969-5552


Market Report –   by Nelson Neumann

Peas: The pea markets have slipped again as of late, both green and yellow. Delivered Green Pea delivered bids in central Alberta dropped from as high as $13.00 to $11.75 over the summer. The price was sky high as supplies were low, but buyers do have adequate coverage now and we see the price reflect that. Yellow peas also dropped to as low as $6.50 delivered. Markets do not respond well to uncertainty and with China’s willingness to purchase Canadian ag products up in the air the future of Yellow Pea exports is cloudy.   


Canola: The Canola market has seen a pricing bulge over the past week. You can see this in the chart below1 starting on Monday May the 6th. It’s tough to pinpoint the cause for this rally. It could be a decline in shipments as producers are busy with seeding or a renewed optimism as the Canadian Government and lobbyists are pushing the world trade organization for resolution with China.


Wheat: Milling wheat prices took a slide last week, but since then have remained relatively flat. Hard Red Spring wheat acres are up in Alberta as well as across Canada, and there is currently predicted to be ample supply now through the 2019/2020 crop year. The same applies to the Durum situation as well, with low demand and still quite a bit of carryover inventory. Feed wheat pricing for the summer is beginning to resemble a whack-a-mole situation with pockets of demand appearing then getting covered. Pricing still remains relatively strong as feed.

Oats: Oats pricing remained steady and strong over the past two weeks. It’s nice to have some stability in at least a few markets! Canadian oat stocks are down 38% from this time last year, supporting the current pricing. Acres are expected to increase 8-10% for 2019/2020.

Barley: Barley pricing has been a bit of an oxymoron in that it has remained steady and been quite turbulent. By that I mean there hasn’t been any major market movements but weather the outlook is bearish or bullish seems to very wildly based on who you are talking to. We saw some buyers make some plays buying at a higher level for June/July while others are convinced the price is going to converge with new crop levels sooner rather than later and are holding off. The new crop market has not changed with Feedlot alley bids at $212/MT. At first many producers were not wanting to sell at this level, but as time goes by people are pulling the trigger and locking in tonnage. My crystal ball is out of commission at the moment, but I predict we will not see the price deviate much from this number barring a large export shift in demand or a weather catastrophe seriously hurting supplies.

[1] Canola July Futures courtesy of www.Barchart.com


Buyer Brief – by Sandra Correia-Letendre

Bearish or Bullish? We took a poll in our office and we are split down the middle with who’s feeling the market is bearish or bullish. We are diverse in Wheat and Barley. Demand has been hit or miss with buyers. If buyers need to fill in a hole for May/June they are hitting the ask. If sellers are over the market price, we are seeing a lack of bids. With seeding time, grain is easier to find. Also, with all the moisture the province has been getting (everyone can breathe a little easier) buyers are more bearish. This is a good time for buyers to throw out bids and see what comes back to them. Some sellers have been more proactive in taking the bids they get more seriously. Buyers are not in a need position, so they are not entertaining many high-priced offers at this point. The uncertainty of buyers makes for a lack of direction in the market right now.

Seller’s Tip: The opportunities are based limited tonnage and getting covered quickly either by you or, unfortunately, someone else. Also realizing, even though buyers are not hitting the ask, it may be a good price for this market.


Picked-Up La Crete Area Bids

Call Clayton or Erin, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May-June: $4.15-4.20/ bushel
July-August: $4.20-4.25/ bushel

NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct:  $3.30/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.40/ bushel
Jan-Mar: $3.45/ bushel
Apr-June: $3.50-3.55/ bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May June: $5.20-5.25/ bushel
June July: $5.25-5.35/ bushel

– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
May-July: Feed pricing currently stronger.

#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
May-June: $6.40-6.6.50/ bushel picked-up based 13-13.5% protein.

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
April 2019: $3.00/ bushel
May-August 2019: $2.85-2.95/ bushel
*Higher pricing available for excellent colour.

– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.

– FEED OATS @ the bin:
May-June: $2.20-2.30/ bushel, depending on quality

– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
May-June: $12.60/ bushel

– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.05/ bushel picked-up

– FEED PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.00/ bushel

– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
May: $9.80/ bushel

– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.00/ bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th):
Based Max 2% Green!
May-June: $8.80-8.90/ bushel
July-August: $9.00/ bushel

*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Jared@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!

… Need a price for something else? Please email or give me a call


Picked-Up Grande Prairie Area Bids
Call Clayton or Erin, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May: $4.45-4.50/ bushel
June-Aug: $4.55-4.60/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct:  $3.65/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.70-3.75/ bushel
Jan-Mar: $3.75-3.90/ bushel
Apr-June: $3.90-4.00/ bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
April: $5.65-5.75/ bushel
May – June: $5.70-5.80/ bushel
… Good protein? Falling # 285-300 or better? We are seeing an additional $0.25/bu.

– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
May: Feed pricing currently stronger.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
May-June: $6.50-6.60 picked-up based 13-13.5+% protein.

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
May-August: $3.10-3.20/ bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin
May: $2.60-2.75/ bushel, depending on quality

– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
May: $12.00/ bushel

– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.35/ bushel

– FEED PEAS @ the bin:
April-June: $6.00-6.25/ bushel

– 2CW FABA BEANS @ the bin
May: $10.20/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May: $5.90-6.00/ bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin (as of March 13th)
Based Max 2% Green!

May-July: $9.05-9.15/ bushel
… Need a price for something else? Please email or give me a call!


Picked-Up Athabasca Area Bids

Call Clayton or Erin, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May: $4.80-$4.85/ bushel
June-August: $4.85/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct:  $3.70-3.80/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.85-3.90/ bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May: $5.80-5.85/ bushel
June-July: $5.90-6.00/ bushel

– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
May-August: Currently lower than feed.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
May-August: $6.50-6.85/bu picked-up (13-13.5% protein).

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
May 2019: $3.40-3.45/ bushel
June-August 2019: $3.35-3.40/ bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
May-June: $2.75-2.90/ bushel depending on quality

– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
May-July: $11.90/ bushel

– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-June: 6.45/ bushel

– FEED PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.30-6.50/ bushel

– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
May-June: $10.25-10.50/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.25-6.40/ bushel

– #1 CANOLA @ the bin (as of May 1st)
May: $9.50-$9.60/ bushel
Jun-July: $9.55-9.70/ bushel
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email  Clayton@Agfinity.com or  Erin@Agfinity.com  with your legal land description for a price!

… Need a price for something else? Please email or give Clayton@Agfinity.com  or  Erin@Agfinity.com  or give us a call!


Picked-Up St. Paul Area Bids

Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3

– FEED BARLEY  @ the bin:
May: $4.70-$4.80/bushel
June-July: $4.70-$4.80/bushel

NEW CROP
Sept-Oct: $3.75/bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.75-$3.80/bushel

– FEED WHEAT  @ the bin:
May: $5.85-$5.95/bushel
June-July: $5.90-$6.00/bushel

** If graded a feed but is dry and has adequate protein (13%+) and falling number over 300, there is a premium available ***

– 2CW OATS  @ the bin (subject to sample):
April-May: $3.20
June-July:$3.25-$3.30

– 3CW OATS  @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to #2CW bids.

– FEED OATS
 @ the bin:
May-July: $2.90-$3.05/ bushel depending on quality.

– GREEN PEAS  @ the bin:
May-July: $11.50/bu picked up
3% bleached or less – call for higher bleached.

– YELLOW PEAS  @ the bin
May-July: $6.30 picked up

– FEED PEAS  @ the bin
May-July: $6.15/bushel

– FEED FABAS  @ the bin
May-July: $6.25-$6.50


Picked-Up Edmonton Area Bids

Call Clayton or Erin, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May-June: $5.05-$5.10/ bushel
July-August: $5.10/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct:  $4.00-$4.10/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.15-4.20/ bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May-June: $6.00-6.20/ bushel
July-August: $6.10-6.30

– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
May-July: Feed pricing is currently stronger.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
May-July: $6.45-6.75/bu picked up based 13-13.5% protein.

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
May-June: $3.40-3.50/ bushel
July-August: $3.30-3.40/ bushel
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
May-June: $2.80-3.00/ bushel, depending on quality

– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
May-June: $12.50/ bushel

– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin

May-June: $6.60-6.65/ bushel

– FEED PEAS @ the bin:
May-June: $6.50-6.65/ bushel

– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
May-June: $10.60-10.65/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.40-6.50/ bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin (as of April 9th)
May-July: $9.60-9.70/ bushel

… Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Clayton@Agfinity.com or  Erin@agfinity.com  with your legal land description for a price!


Picked-Up Camrose Area Bids

Call Clayton or Erin, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May: $5.10/ bushel
June-August: $5.15-5.20/ bushel
NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct:  $4.05/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.15-4.20/ bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May: $6.10-$6.20/ bushel
June-July: $6.10-6.30/ bushel
(Good protein? Falling # 285-300 or better? We are seeing an additional $0.25/bu.)

– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
May-June: Feed Wheat bids currently stronger.
– #1/#2 HRS Wheat:
May-June: $6.50-6.90/bu picked-up based 13-13.5% protein.

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
May: $3.35-$3.50/ bushel
June-August: $3.35-3.50/ bushel
*Additional premiums available for excellent colour!
– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS @ the bin:
May-June: $2.90-3.10/ bushel

– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
May-June: $11.65-$12.00/ bushel

– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.30-$6.60/ bushel

– FEED PEAS @ the bin
May: $5.90-$6.40/ bushel

– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
May-June: $10.50/ bushel
– 3CW FABAS @ the bin:
May-June: $9.25/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.40-6.50/ bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin (as of May 7st)
May: $9.50-$9.60/ bushel
June-July: $9.60-9.70/bushel
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Clayton@agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!


Picked-Up Vermilion Area Bids

Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May-June: $4.85-$4.90/bushel
July: $4.90-$4.95/bushel

NEW CROP
:
Sept-Oct: $3.90-$3.95/bushel
Nov-Dec: $3.95-4/bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May: $6.00-$6.05/bushel
June-July: $6.00-$6.05/bushel

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
May-June: $3.45/bushel

– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.

– FEED OATS @ the bin:

May-July: $3.05-$3.10/ bushel depending on quality.

– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
May-July: $11.50/bushel
Max 3% bleach:    *Call or email on higher bleach.

– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.30/bushel

– FEED PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.50/bushel

– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May-July $7.00/bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin 
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Nelson@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!


Picked-Up Red Deer Area Bids
Call Clayton or Erin, 1-888-969-5552, ext 1

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May-June: $5.10/ bushel
July-August: $5.10-$5.15/ bushel

NEW CROP:
Sept-Oct:  $4.20/ bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.20-4.25/ bushel
Jan-Mar: $4.30-$4.35/ bushel
Apr-June: $4.45-4.50/ bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May-June: $6.10-$6.25/ bushel
July-Aug: $6.15-6.30/ bushel

– #1/2 CPSR WHEAT:
May-July: Currently under feed values.
#1/#2 HRS Wheat:
May-July: $6.40-6.80/bu picked-up based 13-13.5% protein.

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (Subject to sample):
May-August: $3.30-3.45/ bushel
*Additional premiums available for excellent colour.

– 3CW OATS @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.
– FEED OATS:
May-June: $2.80-3.00/bushel, depending on quality

– 2CW GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
Max 3% bleach:
May-June: $11.80-$12.20/bushel

– 2CW YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.20-$6.50/bu

– FEED PEAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.40-6.45/ bushel

– 2CW FABAS @ the bin:
May-June: $10.40/ bushel
– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May-June: $6.50/ bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin (as of May 1st)
May-July: $9.70-9.80/ bushel


Picked-Up Coronation Area Bids

Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May: $5.00-$5.05
June-July: $5.00-$5.10

NEW CROP
Sept-Oct: $4.05/bushel
Nov-Dec: $4.10/bushel

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May: $6.10-$6.15/bushel
June-July: $6.15/bushel

– 2CW OATS @ the bin (subject to sample):
May-June: $3.38/bushel

– 3CW OATS @ the bin:

$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to 2cw bids.

– FEED OATS @ the bin:
May-June: $3.10-3.15 depending on quality.

– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
May-June: $11.60/bushel
Max 3% bleach
*Call or email on higher bleach.

– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
May-July: $6.10/bushel

– FEED PEAS @ the bin
May-July: $6.33/ bushel

– FEED FABAS @ the bin
May-July: $6.15-$6.25/ bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin 
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Nelson@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!


Picked-Up Calgary Area Bids

Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3

– FEED BARLEY  @ the bin:
May-June: $5.25
July: $5.25-$5.27

New Crop
September-November: $4.20-$4.25/bushel
December: $4.30
January 2020: $4.40

– FEED WHEAT  @ the bin:
May-June: $6.35/bushel
July-August: $6.35/bushel

** If graded a feed but is dry and has adequate protein (13%+) and falling number over 300, there is a premium available ***

– 2CW OATS  @ the bin (subject to sample):
May-July: $3.40

– 3CW OATS  @ the bin:
$0.10-0.25/bushel discount to #2CW bids.

– FEED OATS
 @ the bin:
May-July: $3.25-$3.30/ bushel depending on quality.

– GREEN PEAS  @ the bin:
May-July: $11.70/bu picked up
3% bleached or less – call for higher bleached.

– YELLOW PEAS  @ the bin
May-July: $6.25 picked up

– FEED PEAS  @ the bin
May-July: $6.25/bushel

– CANOLA   @ the bin 

*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Nelson@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!


Picked-Up Brooks Area Area Bids
Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3

– FEED BARLEY @ the bin:
May: $5.20/bushel
June-July: $5.19-$5.25/bushel

September/October New Crop: $4.30

– FEED WHEAT @ the bin:
May: $6.30-$6.35/bushel
June-July: $6.30-$6.35/bushel

– FEED OATS @ the bin:
May-June: $3.00-$3.15/ bushel depending on quality.

– GREEN PEAS @ the bin:
May-July: $11.35/bu picked up

– YELLOW PEAS @ the bin
Currently Feed Peas trading at higher levels. Seeing $6.25 delivered For #2CW.

– FEED PEAS @ the bin
May-July:$6.40/ bushel

– CANOLA @ the bin 
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Nelson@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!


Dlvd Lethbridge / Picture Butte Bids

Call Nelson, 1-888-969-5552, ext 3

– FEED BARLEY :
May: $5.50-$5.60/bushel
June-July: $5.50-$5.60/bushel

September-October New Crop: $4.56
November-December New Crop: $4.60-

– FEED WHEAT :
May: $6.65/bushel
June-July: $6.65-$6.70/bushel

– FEED OATS :

May-July: $3.66/ bushel depending on quality.

– GREEN PEAS :
May-July: $12.00/bushel
August-October New Crop: $8.00/bushel
*Based 3% bleach. Higher % bleached give us a call!

– YELLOW PEAS
May-June: $6.50/bushel
August-October New Crop: $6.50/bushel

– FEED PEAS
May-June: $6.50-$6.85/ bushel delivered

– FEED FABAS
May-June: $6.50-$7.00/bushel delivered

– CANOLA   Delivered
*Give us a call to discuss placing a target, or email Nelson@Agfinity.com with your legal land description for a price!


And please come by for a visit on one of our social media accounts.  Click one of the links below!

Keep in touch with us on social media!!
Like us on Facebook           Follow us on Twitter           View on Instagram

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

 
   “No matter who I talk to at Agfinity,  you always take care of things. You guys are so great to work with!”
–  James Taylor, Leslieville, AB
 
   “Other buyers  call me, and I always tell them that the best service I get is from Agfinity, and that you guys are who I market my grain through.”
–   James Thompson, Millet, AB
 
   “Most of our marketing decisions are based off of your newsletter! We really appreciate you sending it out!”
–   Phillip & Glenda Collinge, Lloydminster, SK
 
   “I really like the personal touch in the newsletter! Thanks for sending that out!”
–  Jim Majeski, Camrose, AB
   “I really enjoy working with you guys and the transparent service you provide!”

–  Kurt Boese, Neilburg, SK

   “For the past seven years I’ve been dealing with the Agfinity group and what a fantastic group of people they are. From number 1 to feed grain and canola. All the buyers at Agfinity can Make it happen. Fast turn around times on every thing. Movement, payment, and the inbetween  that all of us farmers don’t see or care about. Good job to the Agfinity crew and keep on buying our grain.”
–  
Drann Hogg, Huxley, AB

 
   “Thanks for continuing to send out a newsletter. I read right through it every time, and look forward to crop price updates.”
 Orest Hulowski, Perryvale, AB
 
   “Enjoy reading your newsletter and price updates keep them coming, good job.”
–  Peter L .Gross, Standard, AB

Have a testimonial we can share?

 Just email us and say something nice about what we do. 🙂
May 8, 2019