Southeast Alberta farmer says recent rainfall is creating optimism with hopes of improved markets

“Rainfall has been truly remarkable and just really at a nice, slow, even pace, not a lot in terms of really heavy downpours that can lead to a lot of erosion running off.”

She said Neubauer Farms had completed seeding before the middle of May.

The improved moisture situation is a positive compared to recent years, when drought dominated much of southern Alberta.

While cooler temperatures and snowfall in May raised concerns for some producers, Neubauer said crops on her farm escaped significant damage.

“Our peas had emerged, and some wheat, and it didn’t seem to have any real impact,” Neubauer said.

“We didn’t see any frost damage during those few chilly nights,” she added.

“I don’t personally know of anyone who had to do any reseeding as a result of the cold.”

Some producers are dealing with excess moisture in low-lying areas and localized flooding, but Neubauer said most farmers remain encouraged by growing conditions.

“Now the other part of the equation that plants need to grow, of course, is some sunshine and warm days. And I think as soon as those appear, things are gonna just really take off,” Neubauer said.

“But for now, the crops are really appreciating the renewed moisture in the growing zone.”

The weather outlook, however, is only part of the equation.

Despite promising crop development, farmers continue to face rising production costs and uncertain market conditions.

Neubauer said fertilizer, fuel, seed, and crop protection costs continue to climb, making each growing season more expensive than the last.

“Every single year we put in the most expensive crop in history,” Neubauer said.

At the same time, she noted that commodity prices are in a very depressed market, leaving producers with little control over whether they can generate a profit.

“No matter how much it costs us to put the crop in, there is absolutely nothing that we can really influence about what it’s going to sell for,” Neubauer said.

“We can make strategic decisions to the best of our ability, gathering market knowledge and forecasts and analysis, but we are not like a retail store. We don’t set the prices. We get what the markets will bear,” she added.

“Prices are really low, and we’re really hopeful that maybe we’ll see a rally to actually sell our potential harvest for good values so that it actually can turn some profit for farmers in the region.”

While grain producers face pricing challenges, she said cattle producers are experiencing stronger market conditions.

“The brighter shining star in ag production right now is the beef market,” Neubauer said.

“Cattle prices are strong, grass is abundant, and there’s some good optimism in cattle markets.”

Neubauer also pushed back on the notion that higher grocery prices are translating into better returns for farmers.

She said consumers are paying more because of rising transportation, labour and processing costs throughout the supply chain, while farm-gate prices have not kept pace.

“From the farm gate, we are not seeing any of those revenues changing our bottom line,” Neubauer said.

Looking ahead, Neubauer said producers are closely monitoring trade developments and hoping for stronger international demand for Canadian agricultural products.

She said expanding market access beyond traditional trading partners will be important as the industry navigates an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.

“We grow some of the most sustainable, highest-quality products on the planet,” Neubauer said.

“Canadian food needs to continue appearing on tables around the world.”

For now, she said that farmers remain focused on the factors they can control and are grateful for the moisture that has helped establish this year’s crop.

“We’re eternal optimists in agriculture,” Neubauer said.

“When the weather cooperates a little bit, it’s quite incredible what we’re able to grow in this region.”

by Jesse Gill

Southeast Alberta farmer says recent rainfall is creating optimism with hopes of improved markets

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