August 6, 2024

Good Day,

I think I will stick to my formula for how I start this month’s newsletter. It is amazing how 30 days can change everyone’s thoughts on the weather. Here in Manitoba at the end of June most people had more than enough rain. In fact, it is too wet in eastern MB. Now everyone would like to see an inch of rain. From talking to people in southern SK there is an area from Estevan to the AB border and north to #1 Hwy that has been too dry, and the crops have suffered for it. That area is what was known as Palliser’s Triangle, which is brown soil, short grass prairie. Historically that region got less than 7 inches of precipitation a year. This year they are short on that. That does happen as we can’t control the weather. Here’s hoping crops are better everywhere than expected.


Since harvest is coming shortly for everyone, I would like to mention a couple of things that are worth repeating. Make sure that your harvest equipment is clean. The boot of the big transfer auger or combine unload auger can really spoil that bin of gmo/glyphosate free yellow peas if soybeans were the last thing through it.


Always keep good representative samples of every bin or commodity. This isn’t about making your broker’s job easier (even though it does). This is about maximizing your returns. This is the most cost-effective thing you can do as it only takes time and a few sample pails with lids. If you have any crops that don’t fall under CGC grade structure, it is likely a good idea to get them graded by an independent grader. SGS or Intertec do a good job of grading and are respected by the buyers in the grain industry. Likely those graders do the export grading for many of the exporters we deal with.


One more thing I would like to mention. Please, when you are showing us, grain make sure you have done your homework. Please get test weight, moisture and grade if available. Make sure it’s accurate. I can tell you from experience that not knowing what is in your bin will cost you and only you. You know that saying that “S**t runs downhill” it’s true in grain marketing and I don’t think I need to tell you who is at the bottom of the hill. If there is an issue Quality Grain will do our best to mediate the problem, but the best that we will come up with is both parties unhappy. It is just so much better to give us good info at the start.


As usual if you would like to do some price discovery give one of us a call (all of us brokers listed below). Pricing has not gone the way anyone was hoping, with New Crop Yellow Peas dipping below $10.00/bus FOB in most areas, Wheat and Canola had a slight rally but has been giving all the gains back and more, feed barley is below $4.50/bus in most locations. New crop Rye took a really big tumble last week with all bids below $7/bus. All we can do is recommend you be sharp with your pencil. While they may not be at the price level you had anticipated, certain crops (lentils) still are at a pretty good level dollars/acre.


A little more housekeeping before we end this edition of the newsletter – please double check with us on what crops are ok for using glyphosate as a desiccant. Most buyers prefer Milling oats with no glyphos as some will not touch glyhpos sprayed oats. Yellow Pea buyers have much the same message, and unfortunately gone are the days of a premium for glyphosate free yellow peas.


We are expecting some more downward pressure nearby just because there is always harvest pressure. Everyone is waiting anxiously to see how yields and quality turn out across the western prairies. My personal thoughts are if you can be patient there will be some carry priced into the market this year, while the previous two years we had the top prices within 90 days of harvest. If you need immediate movement, be sure to give us a heads up so we can keep an eye out for marketing opportunities.


Quality Grain Marketing began text messaging updates last month If you would like to be added to our text group please let me know by texting the toll free number directly +1 (833) 768-8889 with your Name, Location, and crops you are interested in getting price updates on. Or if you would prefer you can let your broker know, respond to this email or scan the QR code below. 


Have a good and safe harvest and don't be shy with sharing yields you are seeing as the crop is coming off. We will share our findings across AB/SK/MB.


Till next month,



Richard Chambers
Marketer - Brandon, MB
204-729-1354 - Office
204-761-8320 - Cell
[email protected]