Loading...
The Rural Voice, 1988-11, Page 18H\agedor/n �U� SNOW BLOWERS No matter how you look at it, Hagedorn Snowblowers are loaded with quality features. Performance that moves snow fast. Balanced designs with job matched compo- nents for smooth operation and low power requirement. Quality construction for years of service. We offer a wide range of models to suit any tractor, any job. CaII us or see your Dealer now for pre -season savings on all models from 4 to 9 ft. There's never been a better time to buy quality. N. E. Hagedorn & Sons Limited Paisley Committed to bringing you value in fine equipment 519-353-5642 16 THE RURAL VOICE GRAIN MARKETS 1■■■■■■■P!IIII■■■■■■■ 1■■■■■■r .■► ■■■■■■■ 1■■■■■■��■� /■■■■■■ 1■■■■■■MAMIII■■■ 1■■■■■■■r )■■■■■■■■ 1■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ Grain markets have traded side- ways over the past month with the tendency to grind lower. Corn futures are still in the $2.80 to $3.00/bu. range on December futures while soyabeans have traded around the $8.00/bu. mark on November soys. With soyabean and corn harvest moving along slowly, yields have shown a very wide range. Com yields have varied from 35 bu./ acre to 175 bu./acre and soys have yielded between 12 and 65 bu./acre depending on the area. CORN In October, we saw the USDA revise the com production estimate up slightly. This, however, had little effect on the markets. Basis levels in Ontario have strengthened to 85 to 90 cents over December futures with off - farm bids of 90 to 95 cents over December futures. One of the many oddities we've seen this year is the fact that Western Ontario corn is trading higher than Eastern Ontario corn. This is because of a smaller crop than usual in West- ern Ontario while, at the same time, U.S. com is trading into Quebec and filling some of the feed needs in Eastern Canada. As well, Eastern Ontario and Quebec are witnessing very good yields. As a producer, you will have to de- cide what costs you attribute to stored grain in order to determine whether storage is feasible. My opinion is that storage will probably not pay because of the high basis levels now. The flat price may remain high but think of the increase we'll have to see to pay you for your interest and storage. SOYABEANS The USDA also raised the soya - bean production figure slightly. It had very little effect on futures prices at the time, but in the past two weeks futures have trended lower with the low October 21 of $7.74/bu. on November futures. Basis levels in Ontario have drop- ped considerably over the past month, with elevators generally at 85 cents over November futures. This hap- pened, despite a stronger basis in the U.S., because of lower soyabean prices and a much stronger Canadian dollar. Crushers in Ontario are full or near full and as a result are receiving soys very slowly. I expect this to continue until the harvest crunch is over. We will likely continue to see fairly strong volatility over the next couple of months as rumours continue to hit the market. In feed grain, barley is still trading in the $145 to $148/MT range with Western barley trading over $150/MT. Oat prices have stabilized and appear ready to strengthen slightly. Western feed oats have maintained their strength and are trading around $200/MT. As I've said before, take advantage of the opportunities that are presented and don't let taxes dictate strategies.* This information is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. Dave Gordon is a grain mer- chandiser with London Agricultural Commodities, Inc. in Hyde Park, Ontario, telephone 519-473-9333 or 1-800-265-1885.