Feed Barley Demand, Prices Up – For Now

Apr 14, 2023

After months of declines, Prairie feed barley prices are seeing a pop. But good spring and early summer weather could put the market under pressure again. 

Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities in Saskatoon said logistics issues caused transportation delays for barley and resulted in feedlots ordering more than they needed last fall. But by the time spring came around, demand quickly fell off.  

“Now, deliveries are starting to get caught up, so we’re starting to see a little bit of demand come back,” he said. “Farmers don’t have their marketing hats on right now. They have other plans to get in the fields and start thinking about seeding. . . they’re not really engaged in selling a lot right now.”  

Peterson added that while a large amount of oats in feed rations helped to weigh on barley prices, he said he expects barley to slowly rise going into May. Beyond that, the weather will take centre stage

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