Record Grain Deliveries, and a Northern Door at Churchill Worth Watching
Canadian farmers delivered a record 8.05 million tonnes in September, and a new memorandum between private port, inland hub and global terminal operators could add a third route to the water.
Statistics Canada reported this week that farmers delivered 8.05 million tonnes of major grains in September, up 10.8 per cent from 7.26 million a year earlier, and the largest total for any month in 25 years of data. Canola led the way at 2.75 million tonnes, up 43.5 per cent. Wheat was relatively steady at about 4.1 million tonnes. By province, Saskatchewan accounted for 46.7 per cent, Alberta 31.5 per cent and Manitoba 16.1 per cent. That is a big pile of grain looking for a route. It makes Churchill’s news worth a look.
The Churchill memorandum
Arctic Gateway Group, which owns and operates the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway, has signed a memorandum of understanding with CentrePort Canada, which runs Manitoba’s inland logistics hub, and with Dubai-based DP World. The three say they will explore growth opportunities tied to the port: links between the railway, the inland hub and a global terminal network, plus port operations, logistics services and an integrated corridor.
Be careful with the word memorandum. It is a non-binding agreement to explore. The reporting gives no volumes, no dollar figures, no timelines and no funding. No government is a party to it, although Manitoba’s premier and the federal transport minister both spoke warmly of the idea. I would call it a signal of private interest in the north, not a done deal.
Why a northern door has value
Churchill already moves more than grain. Arctic Gateway’s CEO said this year has brought the most diverse mix of commodities the port has ever shipped, including critical minerals, grain and potash. Grain left the port in July for the first time since 2020, according to CTV News. Every tonne that goes north is a tonne that does not compete for space on the Vancouver and Thunder Bay lines at the busiest time of year.
The limits are well known. The shipping season is short, the port is far from the main grain-producing areas, and the rail line is long. Nobody should plan a marketing year around it yet. But a private operator with global shipping experience taking an interest is a sign that someone sees money in solving a problem Ottawa has talked about for decades. That is how infrastructure should get built: by people putting their own capital to work, not by waiting for a program.
Where it fits with the rail picture
We have written a lot this fall about railway capacity, and the backdrop is the same. September’s record deliveries show how much grain is in the system. CN’s labour contract expires December 31, and winter capacity is lower than summer. A third route will not fix that this winter, but it adds options for the years that follow.
What I would watch
Look for four things: an actual volume target, a published shipping season, a rate comparison with Vancouver, and which buyers sign on. Until then, keep your delivery plans tied to the rail and port options you already have. If you are in Manitoba or eastern Saskatchewan and have flexibility on destination, ask your buyer whether a Churchill option could appear in contracts next summer. Ask early, because the buyers who book shipping space first get the best slots.
By Joel Merkosky, Chief Operating Officer, Johnston’s Grain
Have Grain to Market?
Johnstons Grain continues to work with buyers and producers across Western Canada, sourcing grain and identifying opportunities across multiple markets.
For current bids, available movement windows or marketing inquiries, contact our grain marketing team.
| In Search of The Following Grains | Location |
| Malt Barley | Copeland or Synergy ONLY | Calgary & Surrounding Areas | East-Central AB |
| Organic Brown Flax | Delivered to Saskatchewan Facility | November |
Market information is provided for general reference. Prices, movement windows and buyer specifications are subject to change and confirmation.
CHEMICAL BASE PRICING:
Glyphosate 540: $6.09/L
Glufosinate 150: $5.09/L
Glufosinate 200: $7.99/L
Diquat 240: $7.99/L
Liquid H: $1.80/L
Imazamox+Bentazon: $30.09/L
- 500L or 1000L Totes (Subject to Availability)
Company Directory & Locations
Calgary Head Office
Hours: 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday to Friday
Address: Suite 2800, 150 – 9th Ave SW, Calgary AB
Phone:1.844.324.7778
Email: info@johnstonsgrain.com
Maple Creek, SK Facility (Warehouse & Retail Location)
Hours: 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday to Friday
Address: 7218 SK-21, Maple Creek, SK
Manager and Sales Lead: Terry Sunderland
Phone: 1.639.574.0116
Email:terry@johnstonsgrain.com
Crop Protection
Calgary Northeast (Calgary Office): Garrett Forster – (604) 613-8813 (garrett.forster@johnstonsgrain.com)
Calgary South (Calgary Office): Kurt Paskal – (403) 899-0308 (kurt@johnstonsgrain.com)
Edmonton, AB Area: Devan Launer – (780) 239-4786 (devan@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Northwest, SK (Lashburn): Kylar Hope – (306) 361-0053 (kylar@johnstonsgrain.com)
Southwest-Sask: Randy Adrian – (306) 294-0042 (randy@johnstonsgrain.com)
Sask & Mb: Karlee Stanhope – (306) 434-7637 (karlee@johnstonsrgrain.com)
Grain Brokerage
Garrett Forster | Sr Grain Broker – (604) 613-8813 (garrett.forster@johnstonsgrain.com)
Kurt Paskal | Sr Grain Broker – (403) 899-0308 (kurt@johnstonsgrain.com)
Karlee Stanhope | Sr Grain Broker – (306) 434-7637 (karlee@johnstonsgrain.com)
Carli Miller | Jr Grain Broker – (1833) 324-7778 (carli@johnstonsgrain.com)
Agronomists
Deepak Chaunkaria: (844) 324-7778 ( deepak@johnstonsgrain.com)
Randy Adrian: (306) 294-0042 (randy@johnstonsgrain.com)
Regenerative Agronomy
Dr. Clemence Muitire, PHD Soil Science | Director of Regenerative Agronomy: (403) 585-3518 (clemence@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Frank Koch, Regenerative Agronomist: (403) 632-6066 (frank@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Travis Albrecht, Director of Johnston’s Regenerative: (403) 502-6332 (travis@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Michael Launer, Director of Johnston’s Regenerative: (780) 232-0358 (michael@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Trades Update
Johnstons Grain
| Contract Date | Commodity | Grade | Price | Quantity | Seller Location | Shipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-28 | Red Lentils | See below for full discount schedule | 23.5 FOB Farm | 264.000 | Penzance, SK | 11/01/26 – 11/30/26 |
| 2026-10-28 | CWRS Wheat | #1 – 14+ CWRS, Max 14.5% moisture, Min 60lbs | $9.75/bu | Approx Gross 516mt (12lds x 43mt) | Leader, SK | 10/29/26 – 11/30/26 |
| 2026-10-28 | Brown Flax | #1, <10% Dockage, <10% Moisture | $17.50/bu | Approx Gross 116mt (3lds x 39mt) | Gem, AB | 10/29/26 – 11/13/26 |
| 2026-10-28 | Brown Flax | #1, <10% Dockage, <10% Moisture | $17.50/bu | Approx Gross 132mt (3lds x 44mt) | Gem, AB | 10/29/26 – 11/13/26 |
| 2026-10-28 | Brown Flax | #1, <10% Dockage, <10% Moisture | $17.50/bu | Approx Gross 88mt (2lds x 44mt) | Rosemary, AB | 10/29/26 – 11/13/26 |
| 2026-10-28 | Brown Flax | #1, <10% Dockage, <10% Moisture | $17.50/bu | Approx gross 176mt (4lds x 44mt) | Rosemary, AB | 10/29/26 – 11/13/26 |
| 2026-10-28 | Feed Barley | Feed | 5 FOB Farm | 308.000 | Naicam, SK | 11/02/26 – 12/31/26 |
| 2026-10-28 | Green Peas | #2 | $9.50/bushel FOB Farm | Approx. Gross 132 Mt | Alida, SK | 11/01/26 – 11/30/26 |
Total Tonnage: 1,732MT
Johnstons Connected
| Origin | Commodity | Product Type | Grade | Price | Volume | Ship Begin | Ship End | Delivery Type | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Wheat | Any Class | Feed | CAD $295.00 / MT | 528 MT | 2027-01-01 | 2027-03-31 | Delivered | Lethbridge, AB, CAN |
| Canada | Barley | – | Feed | CAD $295.00 / MT | 516 MT | 2026-11-01 | 2026-11-30 | Delivered | Lethbridge, AB, CAN |
Total Tonnage: 1,044MT
Johnstons Connected Trading Platform
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Western Canadian Weather Forecast
CALGARY SASKATOON WINNIPEGBulk Fuel
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Currency Update
USD into CAD: $1.3989
CAD into USD:$0.7148
Commodities Update(USD$)
Dec’26 Live Cattle: $226.575
Dec’26 Lean Hogs: $60.075
Oil (WTI): $100.27
Oil (WCS): $69.35
Gold: $4,052.55
Silver: $52.45
Bitcoin: $80,889.00
Ethereum: $2,347.42
Daily Joke
I can’t take my dog to the park because the ducks keep trying to bite him… I guess that’s what I get for buying a pure bread dog.
Grain Bid Update
BARLEY
| Feed Barley | FOB Farm (November-December) |
| Medicine Hat, AB | $5.25-$5.55 |
| Red Deer, AB | $5.15-$5.30 |
| Edmonton, AB | $5.00-$5.15 |
| Swift Current, SK | $5.05-$5.20 |
| Saskatoon, SK | $4.95-$5.10 |
| Regina, SK | $4.95-$5.10 |
| Yorkton, SK | $4.85-$5.00 |
| Estevan, SK | $4.85-$5.00 |
| Brandon, MB | $4.85-$5.00 |
Southern Alberta Feed Barley (Delivered)
Nov-Dec: $298
Jan-Mar27: $302
Apr-June: $313
Subject To Reconfirmation*
Malt Barley
No bid
CANARY SEED
#1 Canada
$0.20-$0.21/Lb
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
CANOLA
*We are always looking for tough, green, sprouted or heated canola. Please reach out with any offers*
Conventional Canola
$18.00/bu
Delivered November
Southern-Alberta
Conventional Canola
Call For Bid
FOB Farm November
Saskatchewan | Manitoba
Closing Futures Prices
Jan 2027 Futures: $780.00
Mar 2027 Futures: $791.20
May 2027 Futures: $800.10
Non-Gmo Canola (Clearfield)
November-December: Call For Bid
CHICKPEAS
Kabuli Chickpeas
#2 Canada: $0.30-$0.32/lb
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Max 20% 7mm, Min 40% 9mm
Feed/Sample Kabuli
$0.12-0.13/lb
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Desi Chickpeas
Call for bid
CORN
#2CW Corn MB FOB Farm
Nov-Dec: Call For Bid
Jan-Mar: Call For Bid
Closing Futures Prices
Dec 26′ Futures: $451-6
Mar 27′ Futures: $465-0
May 27′ Futures: $474-0
Southern AB Corn (FOB)
November: $289
December: $289
January: $298
February: $298
March: $298
April: $301
May: $301
June:$305
Basis Contracts Available*
BEANS
Black Beans
Call for bid
Cranberry Beans
Call for bid
Great Northern Beans
Call for bid
Fababeans
Call for bid
Pinto Beans
Call for bid
FLAX
Brown Flax
#1 Canada: $17.50/bu
Delivered AB Facility | Prompt
Brown Flax
#1 Canada: $16.00-$16.50/bu
FOB Farm SK | Nov-Dec
Brown Flax
#1 Canada: Call For Bid
FOB Farm MB | Nov-Dec
Yellow Flax
#1 Canada: Call For Bid
Delivered AB Facility | Prompt
Yellow Flax
#1 Canada: Call For Bid
SK MB | Nov -Dec
LENTILS
Large Greens (Lairds | 2026 Crop Year)
#2 Canada: $0.28-$0.30/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
X3 Canada: $0.21-$0.23/lb
FOB Farm for Oct-Dec
#3 Canada: $0.19-$0.20/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
Medium Greens (Richleas)
#1,#2 Can: $0.16-0.17/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
Small Greens (Estons | 2026 Crop Year)
#1 Canada: $0.27-$0.28/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
#2 Canada: $0.18-$0.20/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
X3 Canada: $0.17-$0.18/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
#3 Canada: $0.14-$0.16/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
Red Lentils
#2 Canada: $0.23-$0.24/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
X3 Canada: $0.18-$0.19/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
#3 Canada: $0.16-$0.17/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
Feed/Sample Canada: $0.14-$0.15/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Dec
French Green Lentils
#1 Can: $0.22-$0.23/Lb
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Subject to Reconfirmation*
Beluga Lentils (Black)
Call for Bid
MUSTARD
Yellow Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.38-$0.40/lb
FOB farm for Nov-Dec
Brown Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.36-$0.38/lb
FOB farm for Nov-Dec
Oriental Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.37-$0.38/lb
FOB farm for Nov-Dec
OATS
Milling Oats (Min: 42Lb/Bu)
$3.50-$4.25/bu
FOB Farm Oct-March | Southeast Sk | West MB
Milling Oats (Min: 42Lb/Bu)
$3.50-$4.10/bu
FOB Farm Nov-Dec | Saskatchewan
Feed Oats (38-40Lb/Bu)
$2.00-$2.45/bu
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Discounts for lighter product
Freight area sensitive
Closing Futures Prices
Dec 2026 Futures: $355-0
Mar 2027 Futures: $367-4
PEAS
Yellow Peas
#2 Canada: $10.50/bu
Delivered Nov-Dec
Alberta | GLYPHOSATE NOT A FACTOR
Yellow Peas
#2 Canada: $8.00-$9.00/bu
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Saskatchewan
Yellow Peas
#2 Canada: Call For Bid
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Minimum: 22% protein
SOY FREE
S.W. Manitoba
Green Peas
#2 Canada: $9.50/bu
Delivered November
Alberta
Green Peas
#2 Canada: $8.50-$9.00/bu
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Saskatchewan
Green Peas
#3 Canada: $6.00-$6.50/bu
FOB Farm Nov-Dec
Saskatchewan
Maple Peas
Mosaic: Call For Bid
Acers: Call For Bid
Blazers: Call For Bid
Origin: Southern AB | SW SK
Feed Peas
Call For Bid
FOB farm Nov-Dec
AB | SK | MB
RYE
Hybrid Rye
Call For Bid
FOB farm Aug
Hybrid Rye
Call For Bid
FOB farm Nov-Dec
Open-Pollinated Rye
Call For Bid
FOB farm Nov-Dec
Open-Pollinated Rye
Call For Bid
FOB farm Nov-Dec
Note: Please note that we are seeing elevated levels of ergot in the 2026 crop. Please notify your broker of any ergot or other degrading factors and provide grading sheets, photos, or sample results when available to help ensure accurate pricing and avoid surprises at delivery.
SOYBEANS
Soybeans
US #2 or better:
$15.40-$15.80/bu
FOB Farm Nov-March
SE SK & SW Manitoba
Higher values available closer to Winnipeg*
Closing Futures Prices
Jan 27′ Futures: $1227-4
Mar 27′ Futures: $1236-2
WHEAT
#1 CWRS 14.0%
$9.75/bu
Delivered Southern-Alberta
November
#1 CWRS 13.5%
$9.75/bu
Delivered Southern-Alberta
November
#1 CWRS Low Protein
$9.00/bu
Delivered Southern-Alberta
November
#1 CPS 11.0% Pro
$8.50/bu Delivered
Southern -Alberta
October
#1 CWAD (Durum)
Call For Bid
FOB Farm or Delivered AB Facility
Nov-Dec
#1 CWAD (Durum)
$8.90-$9.50/Bu
FOB Farm Southeast SK
Nov-Dec
#1 CWAD | Call for Full Specs
$8.50-$9.00/bu
FOB Farm MB |Oct-Dec
Feed Wheat
$7.75/bu
Delivered Southern-Alberta
Nov-Dec
Feed Wheat
$6.50 | (+/-)$0.50/bu
FOB Farm Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Nov-Dec
Triticale
Call For Bid
Nov-Dec
In Loving Memory of Allan Johnston
