“Some farmers are still thinking about C$70 to C$80 (per bushel organic flax prices) from last year. That’s not going to happen,” says grower and procurement manager, Ken Richmond. Photo: Greg Berg
Originally published April 1, 2024 on OrganicBiz
By Adam Peleshaty
In the midst of dryness in Western Canada and an organics market stuck in a standstill, organic growers are making decisions on what to plant in the coming weeks. Chances are, they may be dictated by their own rotations.
“Commodities, in general, have traded sideways to slightly lower over the last year, year-and-a-half,” said Kelly Cornelius, grain procurement specialist for Grain Millers in Yorkton, Sask. “Likely we’ll see a bit of a bump in pea production … I don’t expect to lose oat acres. If anything, we’re looking to gain. But there’s still a lot of time to shift acres.”
He added that conditions are dry in Saskatchewan, especially in the western half of the province. However, major snowfalls over the course of the winter have helped to replenish moisture levels in the southeast.
Ken Richmond, a farmer from St. Andrews, Man. and procurement manager for Regina-based O&T Farms, said some areas in southern Manitoba are in better shape than they were in February. He said growers have plenty to consider due to less demand, conventional price declines from last year and elevated equipment and fuel costs.
“Income is going to be lower. There’s no doubt about it,” Richmond added. “Some farmers are still thinking about C$70 to C$80 (per bushel organic flax prices) from last year. That’s not going to happen. Especially with the outlook on the moisture a little bit better now. I think we’re stuck in a zone now where (prices) are going to stay.”
Jason Breault of RW Organics in Mossbank, Sask. heard about potential seeding for spring wheat, oats and barley. However, slow demand and grain supplies augmented by imports are causing some buyers to look ahead all the way to January 2025. Despite this, Breault believes weather will become a catalyst.
“If it stays dry, (buyers) will probably want a little more (grain) if they’re worried about drought. If we get some moisture, people will back off again,” he said.
We’ll probably see more spring cereals and peas planted than normal, especially if the dry weather holds. – Rob Wallbridge
As dry conditions persist, Organic Council of Ontario director-at-large Rob Wallbridge said there is still time for much-needed moisture heading into seeding. But while commodity markets stay quiet, growers may choose the familiar.
“We’ll probably see more spring cereals and peas planted than normal, especially if the dry weather holds. But without any clear signals from the market, most farmers will stick with their traditional rotation,” he said.
Harro Wehrmann of Wehrmann Grain and Seeds in Ripley, Ont. repeated Wallbridge’s sentiment. He said most winter grains survived cool temperatures during the month of March, but he doesn’t expect the local organic market to pick up activity until May at the earliest.
“Buyers are just going to wait and see what the mood of the consumer is,” Wehrmann said. “I reckon that feed grains will see hand-to-mouth buying … For specialty crops, I think bids will start coming in as consumption patterns become evident and companies are going to want to secure supply.”
The Prairie provincial organics organizations held their respective annual general meetings near the end of the month.
The Manitoba Organic Alliance held its 2024 AGM in Portage la Prairie on March 20, where the organization voted to change its name to Manitoba Organics. Executive director Marika Dewar-Norosky said the new name will also go along with changes to its website and logo.
“It aims to enhance clarity, branding, and recognition, making communication easier,” she said. “Additionally, aligning our name with similar organizations (SaskOrganics and Organic Alberta) helps to create consistency and unity within the organic community across Western Canada.”
Organic Alberta had its AGM done virtually, also on March 20. The organization will co-host the 2024 La Crete Organic Farming Conference and Trade Show at the La Crete Heritage Centre on April 11.
SaskOrganics’ AGM coincided with the Advancing Organics and Trade Show on March 27 and 28 in Saskatoon. The event included 30 exhibitors as well as more than a dozen sessions featuring speakers across the Prairies with expertise in various topics including brewing, weed management and mental health. A scholarship and awards banquet also took place.