Saskatchewan Forage Council Forage Market Price Discovery in Saskatchewan
In the previous fall of 2015, forage prices in Saskatchewan rose dramatically due to cool and dry conditions which significantly hampered yields. Early concerns were somewhat alleviated, however, when late summer and fall rains fell and the Prairies experienced mild temperatures. Several annual crops were perted into greendfeed which also reduced pressure on perennial forage supplies. As well, the extended fall season caused many producers to take a second cut of forage. In some cases, producers did risk the chance of winterkill in their stands. The mild fall and winter weather also allowed livestock producers to graze long into the winter in many parts of the province, thus reducing their reliance on stored forage.
Prices generally softened as the fall and winter continued, compared with the values previously reported in September. One exception was straw, which increased in value from the reported fall price. January 2016 prices were higher for every forage category compared to prices reported the previous year in 2015.
To read a synopsis of the report (pdf) click here.
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Posted March 23, 2016