Canaryseed acreage projections for 2025 are under debate, with StatsCan forecasting a decrease while other analysts predict an increase to 300,000 acres. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance has raised its 2024 yield estimates, and with increased acreage and comfortable supplies, current bids may face pressure as seeding progresses and more acreage estimates are released. Prices have held steady for several weeks, with old crop at $0.29–$0.30/lb and new crop at $0.28/lb FOB farm. New crop contracts include an Act of God on 10 bu/acre for fall delivery. Given the downward trend compared to previous years, those waiting for mid-30s new crop bids may want to consider locking in current values to hedge against further declines, as the spread between old and new crop has tightened.

Flax prices remain strong and steady, with spot prices ranging from $19.50-$20.50/bu picked up, depending on location and delivery timeframe. New crop values are indicated at $17.00-$17.50/bu FOB farm with an Act of God, again contingent on pickup location. Seasonal trends suggest flax prices often peak in April before declining to pre-harvest levels. However, with tight supplies heading into the 2025/26 season, it will be interesting to see if this pattern holds. Demand has also increased slightly, possibly suggesting minimal price declines in the short term. Those still in need of seed should act soon, as supplies are limited. Contact your Rayglen merchant for availability.

The oat market remains largely unchanged, with prices sideways over the long term. Current bids for summer shipments range from $4.50–$4.75/bu delivered plant throughout the province and in light trade. Some opportunities for underweight oats have emerged, specifically with buyers showing increased interest over the past week—call for pricing details. New crop oat bids are similar to spot prices and shipping largely extends into 2026, indicating that supply currently outweighs demand. If you are still searching for seed as planting approaches, we can help source high quality certified product.

Pea markets typically experience a seasonal sideways trend or slight downturn at this time of year. However, this year has been different, as prices took an earlier hit when China imposed a 100% tariff on Canadian peas. There have been no changes in the overseas market, and reports suggest China has sufficient supply until summer, meaning any shifts in demand are unlikely before then. Old crop yellow peas saw bids of $10/bu FOB for limited prompt movement this week. New crop values remain indicated at the $8–$9/bu range with an act of God. Green peas softened again to $15.50/bu FOB, with new crop values holding at $12.50-$13.00/bu FOB with an AOG. Maple pea bids remain scarce, with soft indications at $12/bu for both old and new crop.

The spot red lentil market saw some action over the past week, with seemingly stronger demand and pricing as trades hit the books at 33-35cents/lb. However, new crop bookings remain quiet and in light trade at 28 cents/lb FOB farm with an Act of God. While sellers are hesitant to book at this price, buyers are also reluctant to commit to large positions due to global tariff uncertainties. Green lentil markets remain depressed on the anticipation of an increase in acres this coming season, but bids on both old and new crop remain available. New crop large greens trade at 40-42 cents/lb FOB farm with an Act of God, while old crop is indicated at 50-51 cents/lb. Small green lentils saw new crop trades between 35–37 cents/lb last week, with old crop bid around 45 cents/lb. The green lentil market appears to have secured enough product under production contract that buyers aren’t willing to push bids any higher. Also, demand for old crop is lackluster and most bids should be considered limited tonnage at this stage. Prices have softened for both old and new crop lentils, but relative to other grain markets, they still pencil out well. If seeding intentions hold steady, these markets are likely to slide further rather than recover. We suggest growers take advantage of current green lentil contracts in particular.

Barley markets remain steady this week, with bids holding at $5.00-$5.50/bu FOB farm across Saskatchewan and some stronger opportunities available in southern Alberta. Freight rates continue to play a key role in firm on-farm bids, so please call in with your location to get an accurate number at the farm gate. Multiple purchasers are still willing to contract barley this week, with most focusing on April through June shipping windows. Current values are expected to persist through the 2025 harvest, as new crop is indicated at similar levels in most areas. Buyers are aware there is still a decent amount of product in the bin, making a late season rally unlikely. Malt barley remains quiet, though there are reports that maltsters are seeking new crop contracts, including Act of God clauses.

Chickpea markets have been relatively quiet but a push for small sized product has popped up this past week. Overall, there is believed to be substantial supply, but producer selling interest remains low. For old crop, immediate buying interest is seen on max 40% 7mm chickpeas at $0.30–$0.31/lb FOB farm for prompt movement, though this is not an unlimited bid—once filled, it’s off the table. New crop bids are shown at $0.32–$0.33/lb FOB farm with an Act of God on the first 10 bu/acre, but so far, there has been little to no seller interest in locking in these contracts. Sellers are also hesitant to place target offers, making it difficult for buyers to determine where they need to be to secure new crop business. In summary, old crop chickpeas are selling on a “need-to-sell” basis, while new crop is being held as a potential “ace in the hole” for the coming production year. If you need seed, marketing insights, or just want to discuss pricing details, give your merchant a call!

The canola market has seen a strong rally over the past few days but is showing some weakness today, down roughly $3/MT at the time of writing amid ongoing market fluctuations. Tariff concerns remain a key factor, but so far, the market has avoided any sharp declines. One thing to consider is that Chinese tariffs only include canola oil and meal, leaving canola seed open for business, which offers some light at the end of the tunnel. Last Wednesday, May futures climbed to around $628/MT, and as of today, they are sitting at approximately $644/MT. With light basis levels, both old and new crop values are looking more attractive — contact your merchant for specific pricing in your area; FOB farm bids are available in most locations. November futures are currently at $633/MT, drawing some interest depending on local basis levels.

Wheat markets have remained mostly sideways throughout the month of April, showing a slight upward trend, but not seeing the same bounce-back as canola. Wheat seems to have followed the pattern of corn and soybeans, displaying some market strength/recovery, but avoiding any significant rallies. Current feed wheat prices are above $7.00/bu, reaching up to $7.50/bu in some areas for on-farm pickup, provided the grain meets a minimum weight of 58 lbs and is dry. Milling wheat values do not show a significant premium over feed prices in general, though occasional opportunities on small programs do arise. Durum prices have ranged from $9.00 to $10.00/bu delivered to the elevator in recent weeks, depending on location. However, some bids have been short-lived, as hand-to-mouth trading has kept purchased tonnage subdued. There were some durum sales to Algeria this week, but the volumes were small and not enough to move the market significantly.

Soybeans have continued their technical rebound from last week’s sharp declines, despite growing concerns over long-term demand due to an escalating trade war. Local soybean prices fluctuate between $11.00 and $11.25 per bushel at the farm gate. StatsCan is projecting an 11% decrease in dry bean planted acres, bringing the total to 357,000 acres. Recent trade tensions have sparked purchasing inquiries from international markets. Dry bean prices are holding at 40–45 cents per pound delivered, with smaller specialty classes fetching around 55 cents per pound delivered. On the export side, interest in faba beans remains limited, with bids at approximately $9.00 per bushel at the farm gate, while feed-quality faba beans are priced at around $8.00 per bushel. However, a recent surge in Australian faba bean prices could create new opportunities to increase Canadian exports.

The mustard market remains flat amid broader market volatility. Tariffs were imposed but have now been suspended for 90 days as of writing, creating a roller-coaster scenario that remains difficult to predict. Despite this uncertainty, old crop yellow mustard is priced at $0.44–$0.45/lb FOB farm, while new crop sits at $0.45–$0.46/lb FOB farm, including an Act of God clause. Brown and oriental mustard continue to trade at $0.34–$0.35/lb FOB farm for both old and new crop, with the potential for targets to trigger at $0.36/lb. So far, low acreage estimates have helped maintain a price floor, which is a positive sign for the market. If you still need seed, contact your merchant—deliveries are ongoing, and last-minute options may be available depending on your location.

Rayglen Market Comments are for informational purposes only. Rayglen Commodities and its agents or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of reliance on any of the contents contained within these products, whether such loss or damage arises from negligence or misrepresentation or any act or omission of its agents or employees.