PRAIRIE ROUTES
NEWS

🌟 Editor’s Note:

Good morning, and welcome to today’s issue, rain! All jokes aside, this week, we’re wading through weather woes and policy moves with a splash of optimism.

MARKET PULSE

1. Commodity Market Brief – July 24, 2025

🛢️ Energy: Oil Leans Bullish on Trade & Stock Draws

Brent futures rallied about 1% to ~$69.15, while WTI futures pushed up approximately 1.5% to $66.22. The boost was driven by positive signs in U.S.–Japan and U.S.–EU trade talks, alongside a steeper-than-expected U.S. crude inventory draw (~3.2 million barrels). However, analysts remain cautious, noting that ongoing U.S.–China tensions and Russia–Ukraine instability may limit further upside .

🏅 Metals: Gold Firms, Copper Holding Steady

COMEX gold futures held strong near $3,371/oz, supported by geopolitical unease and trade uncertainty. Volume and open interest were firm, indicating steady demand. Meanwhile, copper futures remain stable, underpinned by global industrial strength, even though trade friction continues to loom over metals

🌾 Agriculture & Oilseeds: Canola Slides, Grains Stable

July canola futures fell ~2–3%, trading around C$701/MT, pressured by profit-taking and Western Canadian rain easing dryness concerns.

Chicago soybean futures nudged up about 3¢, corn added a penny or two, and wheat showed modest gains, reflecting a wait-and-see stance ahead of key crop and export data

🔍 Final Takeaways

• Oil: Gaining ground on improved trade sentiment and supply draws, but still sensitive to further geopolitical news.

• Gold: Holding its position as a hedge, with steady volume and resilient prices.

• Canola: Pulling back short-term—but overall fundamentals remain stable despite rainfall.

• Grains: In a consolidation phase, awaiting demand signals and weather reports.

Bottom Line: Markets are consolidating: oil and gold are riding trade optimism and safe-haven flows, while ag sectors—canola, corn, and soybeans—pause amid reduced volatility. Next moves will be shaped by trade developments, weather updates, and upcoming supply-demand data. Stay alert and nimble.

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

BULLISH & BEARISH

2. Drought Holding Strong in Most SK/MB Regions

Bullish:

• 📈 Canola price forecast gets a $25/tonne boost: Ag Canada now pegs the 2025-26 average at $725/tonne, up $50 from last year.

• Canadian farmers continue to face high fertilizer prices, squeezing margins and fueling frustration.

• 🐂 Cattle prices remain surprisingly strong despite global trade uncertainty.

Bearish:

• ☀️ Saskatchewan’s southwest still parched. Recent rain brought some relief, but moisture shortages persist.

• 🌽 Corn and soybean futures fell, with corn leading the drop on continued selling pressure.

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SHARP TAKE

3. Root: Turning Research Into Results

RDAR’s new AI platform, Root, makes it dead simple for farmers to get answers from ag research—no jargon, no fluff. Ask it anything from seeding rates to pest control, and it delivers research-backed, easy-to-digest responses.

Built with FCC’s support, Root pulls from RDAR’s entire research library and aims to help farmers apply science faster, smarter, and more affordably—leveling the playing field between small farms and big ag.

TL;DR:

• FCC and RDAR just launched Root, an AI-powered chat tool that turns complex ag research into plain-language, farm-ready advice.

Bottom line: Root bridges the lab-to-field gap. Farmers finally get a tool that speaks their language—literally.

INCASE YOU MISSED IT

4. Quick Hits on Policy and Relevant News

🇨🇦 Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) urges Ottawa to treat agriculture as a national economic pillar, warning that Canada risks falling behind without bold investment in innovation, infrastructure, and risk management. smallfarmcanada.ca

🌤️ Governments of Canada and Manitoba announced new drought support for livestock producers, including faster AgriInsurance payouts and more flexible feed options. news.gov.mb.ca

🌾 Ag ministers agreed to changes to AgriStability for 2025—expect tweaks to coverage and payout rules. rdnewsnow.com

⚠️ Alberta producers: AgriStability and Hail Insurance deadlines are fast approaching—don't let paperwork rain on your parade. abpdaily.com

🇨🇦🇳🇿 Canada opens its market to New Zealand dairy products after a lengthy trade dispute. UkrAgroConsult

🥇 Ag in Motion Innovation Awards: ATP Nutrition (Synergro G3 biostimulant), PhiBer Manufacturing (Dash drone carrier), and Nytro (Green Lightning Nitrogen Machine) take top honours. MarketsFarm