Hours of Operation: 8:00AM to 5:00PM (Mountain & SK), Monday to Friday
Web Home: johnstonsgrain.com
Our Team: johnstonsgrain.com/about
Webstore: shop.johnstonsgrain.com
X: JohnstonsGrain☀️ (@JohnstonsGrain) / X
Toll Free: (844) 324-7778
Domestic Brokerage:
broker@johnstonsgrain.com
Sales Agronomists:
agronomist@johnstonsgrain.com
Freight/Logistics:
logistics@johnstonsgrain.com
Commercial Brokerage/Platform Inquiries (Feedlot/Track/Export):
connected@johnstonsgrain.com
Opening Comments
Fertilizer Prices Surge as Middle-East Conflict Unfolds
Rising fertilizer and fuel costs are adding pressure on farmers as the Middle East conflict disrupts global supply chains ahead of spring planting. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has halted major shipping routes and shut down fertilizer production in the region, threatening supplies to key importers worldwide.
Farmers from Kashmir to Saskatchewan depend on fertilizer and diesel moving through the strait, which handles roughly one-third of global fertilizer trade and about 20 percent of fuel exports. With grain markets already oversupplied and prices weak, many producers were expecting slim or negative margins this season. Higher input costs are now worsening that outlook, particularly for farmers who still need to secure spring fertilizer.
In the United States, fertilizer prices surged after the conflict began. Prices at the New Orleans import hub climbed from about $516 per metric ton to as high as $683 within days. Analysts warn prices could rise further if the shipping disruption continues into planting season.
Production losses are compounding the supply shock. QatarEnergy has halted operations at the world’s largest single-site urea plant after attacks disrupted its natural gas supply, while sulfur production across parts of the Middle East has also been reduced. The region is a major supplier of both nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer inputs.
India, which imports more than 40 percent of its urea and phosphate fertilizers from the Middle East, is already seeing impacts. Several domestic plants have reduced output due to lower LNG supplies from Qatar, tightening near-term availability of urea and diammonium phosphate.
The fertilizer market was already strained before the conflict. China has restricted exports to secure domestic supply, and European production remains lower following the loss of inexpensive Russian natural gas. Urea prices had already climbed roughly $80 per ton prior to the escalation.
The disruption is also affecting sulfur supplies, a key ingredient in phosphate fertilizers such as diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. Countries like Indonesia rely heavily on Middle Eastern sulfur imports, while traders report that spot cargoes are now extremely difficult to source.
Import-dependent regions such as Australia and parts of Africa could face further pressure. For many farmers, fertilizer represents up to half of total production costs, meaning price spikes could significantly affect planting decisions and crop choices.
If the supply shock continues for more than a few weeks, analysts warn fertilizer prices could approach the highs seen in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with nitrogen prices potentially doubling and phosphate prices rising by around 50 percent.
Source: Adapted from reporting by Naveen Thukral and Ed White, Reuters, published by Reuters and republished by The Western Producer in the article Farmers see fertilizer price surge as Iran war blocks exports, threatening losses.
Farmers see fertilizer price surge as Iran war blocks exports, threatening losses | The Western Producer
We’ve Added A Show!
On March 13–14, 2026, join us at the Beaumont Community Centre for one of Alberta’s most dynamic gatherings for organic and sustainable agriculture. Connect with hundreds of fellow farmers, processors, and agricultural professionals from across the province at this years Organic Alberta Conference & Tradeshow. Participate in engaging workshops, hear from expert speakers, and explore the trade show, where you can meet industry leaders, discover new products and services, and build valuable connections that support your farm or business.
📍5204 50 Avenue, Beaumont, Alberta, T4X 1E3
IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT CROP PROTECTION PURCHASES…
With depressed commodity prices and tight budgets, farmer purchasing on 2026 crop protection needs has been slow through the fall and into the new year. To date, farmers have made the right choice by purchasing Nitrogen rather than crop protection as Nitrogen prices have been rising while chemical prices have been flat. At Johnston’s, we have not been sounding any alarms on crop protection purchasing as we understand the situation on many farms in Western Canada. However, due to deferred farm purchasing on chemical, we can see some bottlenecks coming between now and seeding. Deferred ordering from our overseas manufacturing partners is going to put their factories at or beyond their production capacities on these pre-burn and in-crop chemical products. This could result in price increases or potentially product shortages in season. Give us a call today to start discussing your options for locking in spring chem needs because……
For access to our full catalogue of products including, but not limited to: Inoculants, Granular Fertilizers (TSP, Calcium, Biology, etc), Seed Treatments and Seed Enhancers, Pre-burn chemistries and tank mixes, In-crop weed control, foliar fertilizers (macro and micro), humic substances, and vermicastings-based biological products, see the link below!
https://shop.johnstonsgrain.com/webstore
Call us at 1.844.324.7778 if you have any questions!
TRIPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE (TSP)
Most suppliers of fertilizer in Western Canada have been increasing prices on Nitrogen and Phosphate and other forms of synthetic fertility. Here at Johnston’s, we’re pleased to announce a price improvement on our TSP fertilizer.
NEW PRICE: $1150/t del’d to farm in AB, SK and MB.
TSP is a premium granular phosphate fertilizer containing 46% P205, and 15% Calcium (a critical nutrient that most soils are deficient in). Other key features include:
10-12 on the fertilizer salt index vs. MAP which is 30-32
Soil structure building
Water holding capacity building
Easier on biology than competing products
And… much more. Reply to this email with “TSP vs. MAP Information Package” to receive a comprehensive side-by-side comparison outlining the key differences between TSP and MAP.
Treads 2025: Thank You for Growing With Us
This year has been one of strong growth and momentum at Treads Distribution. It wouldn’t have been possible without you. In 2025, we expanded our reach across Western Canada, opened two new tire shop locations in Brooks, Alberta and Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, and continued building the presence of Doublestar Tires as a high-value, high-performance option for fleets and farms alike. More importantly, we strengthened the relationships that matter most, with hardworking customers who rely on performance, value, and service they can count on.
If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you:
📍 Treads Service Brooks, AB – (403) 363-5556
📍Cypress Tire Maple Creek, SK – (306) 661-8081
📞 Office (Sales & Quotes): (844)-324-7778 or (403)-266-7067
🌐 Visit us online: www.treads.ca
Thank you for trusting us to keep your operations rolling. We’re excited to continue earning your business and delivering even more value in 2026.
Logistics Update
Bulk capacity is looking good this week ahead of the spring rush period, shippers should be able to find capacity for most lanes, although South-North may be difficult. While capacity should remain plentiful for the coming weeks, fuel has jumped significantly this week with rates likely to follow.
We have trucks in the below areas next week looking for reloads:
| Equipment | Location | Looking to Get To |
| SuperB Hopper | Vancouver, BC | AB, SK |
| SuperB Hopper | Alberta | SK, MB |
| SuperB Hopper | Saskatchewan | Coronach, SK |
| SuperB Deck | Saskatoon, SK, Regina, SK | Anywhere |
Due to the conflict in the Middle East and the associated rise in fuel prices, expect rate increases across the board on all transportation both inland and ocean. Depending on vessel access to the Strait of Hormuz, it is likely that we see additional tightness on container equipment in the near future as well with longer transit times.
If you have bulk, dry van, deck or container freight to move, please reach out to logistics@johnstonsgrain.com for a competitive quote!
CHEMICAL BASE PRICING:
Glyphosate 540: $5.19/L (500L or 1000L totes)
Glufosinate 150: $3.99/L (500L or 1000L totes)
Glufosinate 200: $5.29/L (500L or 1000L totes)
Additional quantity and bundling discounts available.
CHEMICAL SPECIALS*
Fluroxypyr+2,4-D (same actives as Octtain XL)
Current Price – $6745.50/450L tote ($6.75/ac)
Offer Price – $5990/450L tote ($5.99/ac)
Current Price – $289/case ($7.20/ac)
Offer Price – $239.60($5.99/ac)
Pinoxaden+Fluroxypyr (same actives as Axial Xtreme)
Current Price – $719/case ($17.99/ac)
Offer Price – $679.60/case ($16.99/ac)
Current Price – $2760/80L drum ($17.25/ac)
Offer Price – $2718.40/80L drum ($16.99/ac)
Offer runs till Mar 15th Additional discounts on crop inputs when paired with Glyphosate 540, Glufosinate 150 or Glufosinate 200
SOIL SAMPLING PROGRAM:
Full-Spectrum Analysis Cost: $120/sample
Advanced Fertility Recommendation: Free & Highly Valuable
For full program details ask to be connected to a Johnston’s Regenerative rep.
Upcoming Tradeshows!
Our sales and management team will be attending the following trade shows in 2026, and we look forward to seeing you there! A quick reminder: if you have soil samples for analysis, you’re welcome to drop them off at our booth along with the completed fertility questionnaire during any trade show!
Western Canadian Crop Production Show | Jan 13-15 | Saskatoon SKManitoba Ag Days | Jan 20-22 | Brandon MBSaskSoil Soil Health Conference | February 11-12 | Saskatoon SKAgriVisions | Feb 11-12 | Lloydminster ABAg Expo | Feb 25-27 | Lethbridge AB- Organic Alberta | March 13-14 | Beaumont AB
- Cypress County Farm Show | June 11-12 | Medicine Hat AB
- Ag in Motion | July 21-23 | Langham SK
Contact Information
To reach a territorial rep, please call:
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: Michael Launer – (780) 232-0358 (michael@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Northwest, SK (Lashburn): Kylar Hope – (306) 361-0053 (kylar@johnstonsgrain.com)
SE Sask & SW Man (Welwyn Office): Mark Rankin – (844) 324-7778 (mark@johnstonsgrain.com)
To reach a sales agronomist, please call:
Randy Adrian: (306) 294-0042
Deepak Chaunkaria: (844) 324-7778
Travis Albrecht, Director of Johnston’s Regenerative, please call: (403) 502-6332 (travis@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Michael Launer, Director of Johnston’s Regenerative, Lead Annelida Sales Rep, please call: (780) 232-0358 (michael@johnstonsregenerative.com)
Trades Update
Johnstons Grain
| Contract Date | Commodity | Grade | Price | Quantity | Seller Location | Shipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-05 | CWSWS Wheat | Feed, Min 58lb/bu, Max 15.5% Moisture | $7.25/bu FOB Farm | Approx Gross 88 mt | Picture Butte, AB | 03/09/26 – 03/13/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Brown Flax | #1 | $17.25 bushel | 76 Mt approx / gross | Grenfell, SK | 05/01/26 – 07/15/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Brown Flax | #1 | $17.25 bushel FOB Farm | 3,000 bushels / 76 Mt approx / gross | Grenfell, SK | 05/01/26 – 07/10/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Small Red Lentils | #2's | $0.24/Lb FOB Farm | Approx. Gross 387 Mt | Holdfast, SK | 03/08/26 – 03/21/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Yellow Flax | #1, <10% Moisture, <8% Dockage | $23.75/Bushel Delivered | Approx. Gross 84 Mt | Canora, SK | 03/08/26 – 03/14/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Feed Barley | FEED | min:48lbs, dry | $4.85/bu FOB Farm | approx gross: 88mt | Buchanan, SK | 03/09/26 – 03/13/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Brown Flax | #1, <8% dockage, <10% Moisture, | $17.00/Bushel FOB Farm | Approx. Gross 43 Mt | Melita, MB | 04/01/26 – 06/30/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Yellow Peas | #2 Yellow Peas, Max 14.5% moisture | $9.50/bu delivered to Carseland, AB | Approx Gross 544mt (20,000bu) | Blackie, AB | 03/09/26 – 03/20/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Large Green Lentils | #2 OB | $0.24/LB FOB Farm | approx gross: 44mt | Glenside, SK | 04/01/26 – 05/30/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | CWRS Wheat | #1 – 14+ CWRS, max 14.5% moisture, min 60lbs, max … | $8/bu | Approx Gross 88mt (2lds x 44mt) | Cereal, AB | 03/09/26 – 03/13/26 |
| 2026-03-05 | Corn | #2 or better dry corn | $ 236.21 / MT delivered | 330 mt approx gross | St. Lazare, MB | 03/15/26 – 03/31/26 |
Total Tonnage: 1,228MT
Johnstons Connected
| Origin | Commodity | Product Type | Grade | Price | Volume | Ship Begin | Ship End | Delivery Type | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Barley | – | Feed | CAD $278.00 / MT | 86 MT | 2026-03-16 | 2026-03-20 | Delivered | Lethbridge, AB, CAN |
| Canada | Barley | – | Feed | CAD $285.00 / MT | 516 MT | 2026-11-01 | 2026-12-31 | Delivered | Lethbridge, AB, CAN |
Total Tonnage: 602MT
Johnstons Connected Trading Platform
Access the link below in order to create your Johnstons Connected Trading Platform account. Once registered and verified, you’ll be able to set Target Price Agreements (TPAs) across our entire grain marketing network granting you access to large selection of commercial buyers & farm grain resellers, making it easier to buy and sell grain at the price that you want!
Johnston’s Connected Home Page
Western Canadian Weather Update
CALGARY SASKATOON WINNIPEGBulk Fuel
To request quotes from the largest bulk provider of Esso branded fuels in Western Canada, follow the link below to our website and fill out a very simple application form.
Currency Update
USD into CAD: $1.3618
CAD into USD:$0.7342
Commodities Update(USD$)
Apr’26 Live Cattle: $238.825
Apr’26 Lean Hogs: $96.225
Oil (WTI): $88.57
Oil (WCS): $65.40
Gold: $5,152.38
Silver: $84.18
Bitcoin: $68,959.00
Ethereum: $2,011.19
Daily Joke
Email your jokes to garrett.forster@johnstonsgrain.com with “Daily Joke” in the subject line for a chance to have your joke featured on the daily!
Friday Riddle
What five-letter word type in all capital letters can be read the same upside down?
Answer at end of daily*
Grain Bid Update
BARLEY
| Feed Barley | FOB Farm (Mar-Apr) |
| Medicine Hat, AB | $5.25-$5.50 |
| Red Deer, AB | $5.30-$5.55 |
| Edmonton, AB | $5.25-$5.40 |
| Swift Current, SK | $4.75-$5.00 |
| Saskatoon, SK | $4.75-$5.00 |
| Regina, SK | $4.85-$5.00 |
| Yorkton, SK | $4.55-$4.85 |
| Estevan, SK | $4.50-$4.75 |
| Brandon, MB | $4.50-$4.75 |
Southern Alberta Feed Barley (Delivered)
Mar $277
AMJ $280
SOND $277
Malt Barley
No bid
CANARY SEED
#1 Canada
$0.18-0.19/bu
FOB Farm Mar
CANOLA
Conventional Canola
$15.00/bu | Delivered
Southern-Alberta
Prompt
$14.00-$14.30/bu
FOB Farm May-July
Saskatchewan
Closing Futures Prices
May 2026 Futures: $730.20
July 2026 Futures: $739.90
Nov 2026 Futures: $727.70
We are always looking for tough, green, sprouted or heated canola. Please reach out with any offers
Non-Gmo Canola (Clearfield)
AMJ: Call for bid
July: Call For Bid
August: Call For Bid
CHICKPEAS
Kabuli Chickpeas
#2 Canada: $0.26-0.27/lb
FOB Farm for March-May
Max 10% 7mm, Min 30% 9mm
Feed/Sample Kabuli
$0.09-0.10/Lb
FOB Farm March Forward
Premiums for: Larger Sizing with Damage
Desi Chickpeas
Call for bid
CORN
#2CW Corn MB FOB Farm
Mar 2026: $5.00-5.10/bu
Apr-May 2026: $5.00-5.20/bu
June-Aug 2026: $5.00-5.30/bu
Subject to Reconfirmation*
Closing Futures Prices
May 26′ Futures: $458-6
July 26′ Futures: $468-4
Dec 26′ Futures: $482-0
Southern AB Corn (Delivered)
March $277
AM $280
JJ $285
ASO $291
ND $298
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: $16.25-$17.25/bu
FOB Farm for March Forward | SK & Parts of MB
Possibly Into April & Beyond
#1 Canada: $17.00-17.50/bu
FOB Farm Mar, AB
Yellow Flax
#1 Canada: $22.00-23.00/bu
FOB Farm March
Highest Values Available In AB
Possibly Into April & Beyond
LENTILS
Large Greens (Lairds)
#2 Canada: $0.23-0.24/lb
FOB Farm for Mar
Possibly Into April & Beyond
Medium Greens (Richleas)
#2 Canada/US: $0.16-0.17/lb USD
FOB farm Mar
Subject to reconfirmation*
Small Greens (Estons)
#1 Canada: $0.18-0.19/lb
FOB Farm for Mar
Downward Pricing Pressure*
Red Lentils
#2 Canada: $0.22-0.23/lb
FOB Farm for Mar
Southern AB & SK
Subject to Reconfirmation
Feed Lentils
$0.11-0.13/lb
FOB farm Mar
French Green Lentils
#1 Can: $0.20-0.21/lb
FOB Farm Mar
Limited Volume Available*
Beluga Lentils (Black)
Call for Bid
MUSTARD
Yellow Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.36-0.37/lb
FOB farm for Mar
Possibly Into April & Beyond
Brown Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.30-0.31/lb
FOB farm for Mar
Possibly Into April & Beyond
Oriental Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.425-0.435/lb
FOB farm for Mar
Freight Area Sensitive*
OATS
Milling Oats (Min: 42Lb/Bu)
$3.00-3.30/bu
FOB Farm March-May | Southeast Sk | West MB
freight area sensitive*
$3.00-3.50/bu
FOB Farm AMJ
SK
Subject to Reconfirmation
Feed Oats (38-40Lb/Bu)
$2.25-$2.60/bu
FOB Farm March & Beyond
Discounts for lighter product
Freight area sensitive
Closing Futures Prices
May 2026 Futures: $342-0
July 2026 Futures: $344-6
PEAS
Yellow Peas
#2 Canada: $8.25-8.75/bu
FOB Farm March Southern Alberta & Parts of Western SK
Subject to reconfirmation
Green Peas
#2 Canada: $10.00-10.50/bu
FOB farm March & Beyond
Maple Peas
Mosaic: Call For Bid
Acers: Call For Bid
Blazers: Call For Bid
FOB farm March-May, AB | SK
Subject to Reconfirmation
Feed Peas
$6.00-$6.50/bu
FOB farm Jan-Mar: AB/SK/MB
RYE
Hybrid Rye
$4.00-$4.50/bu
FOB farm February Forward
Open-Pollinated Rye
$4.00-4.50/bu
FOB farm February Forward
SOYBEANS
Soybeans
US #2 or better:
$13.50-$13.80/bu
FOB Farm Mar
SE SK & SW Manitoba
Higher values available closer to Winnipeg*
Closing Futures Prices
May 26′ Futures: $1198-6
July 26′ Futures: $1211-2
Nov 26′ Futures: $1145-6
WHEAT
#1 CWRS 13.5% Pro:
Call For Bid
#1 CWRS Min:14.0% Pro:
Call For Bid
#1 CWAD (Durum)
Call For Bid
Feed Wheat
$6.00-$6.30/bu
FOB Farm: Most Areas*
Triticale
$4.25-4.75/bu
FOB Farm March & Beyond
Riddle Answer: SWIMS
