PRAIRIE ROUTES
NEWS

🌟 Editor’s Note:

Morning! Welcome to the first addition of Prairie Routes News. You can expect us to send you 2 emails a week to keep you up to date with recent developments in ag. If you ever have any questions or feedback, just simply reply to one of our emails, and we will reply as soon as possible!

Now go forth and conquer the day (or at least the coffee machine). ☕️

MARKET PULSE

1. Last Week’s Global Commodity Market Movement

🛢️ Energy: Oil on Alert

Brent crude has surged to approximately $77/barrel, marking around a 20% jump in June, amid escalating Middle-East tensions between Israel and Iran. Markets are skittish about potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz—which could push oil into the $80-$100 range, threatening global growth. Meanwhile, a weaker U.S. dollar is cushioning oil’s rise.

Agriculture: Corn Slows, Watch Those Keywords

Corn futures have slowed today, with trading volume dropping more than 70% compared to earlier in the week. Open interest has declined by about 10,000 contracts—suggesting investor caution or consolidation around current levels.

Canola has climbed to C$749/MT, up 0.5% on the day and surging nearly 25% month-over-month. Tight Canadian supplies—driven by shifting acreage and firm exports—are keeping buyers engaged.

Metals & Commodities Index

Gold and broader commodity indexes haven’t made headlines today, but the oil and grain dynamics are supporting potential upside across the board.

🔍 Bottom Line

• Oil’s rally is fueled by geopolitical tension and could escalate further—keep an eye on Strait of Hormuz headlines.

• Corn is losing steam—monitor volume and open interest for signs of repositioning.

• Canola remains bullish, underpinned by tight supply in Canada and sustained export demand.

Today’s watchlist: Middle East developments, corn market positioning, and export data for Canadian canola. Stay informed, stay ahead.

Not financial advice.
Data sources: APnews.com, Morningstar.com, MarketWatch.com, Exchange-rates.org, Agriculture.com, YahooFinance.com, Barchart.com 

TRENDING

2. Fresh off the press, here’s the latest scuttlebutt

Bullish:

• 🌾 Canadian Farmers Pivot to Wheat: Rising tariffs on Canadian canola oil and meal have triggered a “massive switch” to spring wheat, with early acreage shifts supporting wheat demand and tightening canola supply.

• 🛢️ July Canola Shows Relative Strength: Despite broader vegetable oil weakness, July ICE canola held strong, trading close to C$699/MT—a bullish hint amid a shaky oilseed landscape.

Bearish:

• 🌧️ Rain Threat in Alberta: Rains forecasted for key growing regions could pressure canola prices in the near term, adding downside risk.

• ⚠️ Tariff Fallout Continues: China’s 100% duty on Canadian canola products continues to disrupt exports, funneling growers toward wheat and denting current year demand.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

3. GoodLeaf Farms Eyes Global First

GoodLeaf Farms is on track to become the world’s first vertical farm with all facilities profitable.

TLDR: Canadian patriotism is surging due to the U.S. trade war, boosting the Buy Local movement. Consumers are increasingly choosing Canadian-made products, especially food. Vertical farms like GoodLeaf are benefiting, with sales jumping as more people aim to reduce reliance on U.S. imports.

INCASE YOU MISSED IT

4. Quick Hits on Policy and Relevant News

🛡️ Parliament Shields Supply Management: The Canadian Parliament passed a law protecting supply management, barring future trade deals from increasing dairy, egg, chicken, or turkey imports. This sets the stage for a lively USMCA review next year. Red River Farm Network

👨‍🌾 Spraying, Rainfall & Ministerial Drop-Ins: RealAg Radio’s Farmer Rapid Fire checks in on spraying progress, rainfall updates, and a visit from Ag Minister MacDonald. RealAgriculture

📈 Canola’s Comeback: Canola prices have staged a dramatic recovery from March lows, driven by bullish fundamentals and technicals. DTN Progressive Farmer

🇨🇦 Precision Ag for Sustainability: Canada is doubling down on precision ag to drive sustainable, climate-smart farming. Open Access Government

💰 FCC Bets Big on Innovation: Farm Credit Canada will invest $2 billion by 2030 to boost ag innovation and food tech. GNCC