Feed Cost Commentary
Understanding feed cost trends is critical for managing margins. Each month, we review current market conditions and key drivers influencing ingredient pricing across Western Canada.
June 2026
Feed ingredient markets across Alberta remain firm as we move through June, with limited farmer selling, steady demand, and logistical challenges continuing to support pricing and tighten nearby availability.
Feed Grain markets remain firm
Feed wheat and barley markets continue to hold firm, supported by:
- Limited farmer selling
- Ongoing feedlot demand
- Steady export movement
Spring road restrictions and seasonal freight challenges have further reduced trucking efficiency and increased delivered costs across many regions.
Many suppliers remain hesitant to commit significant tonnage beyond nearby positions, creating additional challenges for end users seeking forward coverage.
Corn imports continue to help balance Western Canadian feed grain markets; however, landed corn pricing remains heavily influenced by freight costs, exchange rates, and U.S. futures markets.
Protein market update
Protein markets remain active as global oilseed markets respond to weather developments, energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainty.
Soybean meal pricing continues to experience volatility, while delivered values remain elevated relative to historical averages.
DDG prices have also moved higher in recent weeks as strong domestic demand in the United States has tightened available supplies. Increased purchasing from livestock producers, ethanol facilities, and export channels has reduced nearby availability, supporting both corn and DDG values. For Western Canadian buyers, freight costs and currency movements have further contributed to higher delivered pricing.
Canola meal continues to offer competitive value in many feeding programs and remains an attractive protein source for livestock producers.
Global factors continue to influence markets
Beyond local supply and demand fundamentals, broader global developments continue to influence market sentiment. Key factors being monitored include:
- Ongoing developments in the Middle East
- Continued disruptions in the Black Sea region
- Weather concerns across major global growing regions
These uncertainties continue to contribute to cautious marketing decisions from producers and add volatility to global grain and oilseed markets.
Looking ahead
Although Western Canada remains reasonably well supplied overall, nearby availability continues to be tighter than expected due to slow cash movement and limited farmer selling. As seeding wraps up and crop conditions become more certain, increased producer selling could help improve grain availability and ease some of the current pressure on nearby markets. Until then, securing prompt coverage remains a key challenge for ingredient buyers across Alberta.
Key Takeaway
The Alberta feed ingredient market remains firm, driven less by supply shortages and more by limited grain movement, freight challenges, and ongoing demand. While improved producer selling later this summer could help ease market pressure, nearby coverage remains tight and market participants should continue monitoring weather, freight costs, currency movement, and global geopolitical developments.
