Democrats Make Gains, but Don't Count on Washington to Rescue Grain Prices

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Democrats Make Gains, but Don’t Count on Washington to Rescue Grain Prices

Voters south of the border pushed back on tariffs, but the people who imposed them hold power until January, and Ottawa and Prairie farmers should plan for a slow and uncertain thaw.

Canadian politicians were quick to celebrate the American midterm results. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he hoped the Democratic gains would end the tariffs on Canada. Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc was more careful, telling reporters that Canada’s focus has not changed and that negotiators will keep working on affordability, major projects and diversifying trade. LeBlanc was right to be careful.

What the vote did and did not change

The Western Producer reported on November 4 that Democrats were set to gain power in Washington, with Ohio State agricultural economist Ian Sheldon saying that affordability, and its link to tariffs and the war in Iran, drove the pushback against Republicans. He said about three-quarters of voters are very unhappy with the tariffs. He also expects litigation against the U.S. tariffs on Canada, which rest on a 1930 trade law, Section 338.

But the new members of Congress will not be seated until January. Reporting on November 5 said the Trump administration still has about two months of unhindered authority and has threatened more tariffs on Canada in January if there is no deal. Canada-U.S. talks stalled after August and have only recently restarted. Prime Minister Mark Carney said after speaking with Trump over the weekend that there was reason for some optimism, though no details were given.

What is at stake for farmers

The good news for Prairie farmers is that agriculture is not the core of the dispute. Michael Harvey of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance told the Producer the talks are about cars and steel. Canadian canola oil, beef and pork have so far avoided the tariffs, and Sheldon thinks new tariffs on them are unlikely for now. North Dakota Farm Bureau president Valerie Wagner said she still hopes CUSMA can be improved once the political heat cools.

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin said Democrats would put an end to the tariffs, arguing Congress controls tariffs under the Constitution, and he hopes to act within the first 100 days. That is a promise from one member of a party that does not yet hold the gavel. It is not a policy.

Ottawa should do the sensible things now

Waiting for a rescue is a poor strategy. Ottawa can get on with what it controls: finish the CUSMA review preparation, avoid new counter-tariffs that raise costs for our own farmers, and keep working on trade with other partners. It can also cut its own costs. Fiscal restraint, lighter regulation, and tax rules that reward investment are things Canada can do without anyone’s permission, and they make us less dependent on a deal in Washington.

The lesson of the past two years is that trade access is the most valuable thing a farmer owns, and it should never rest on one customer’s mood. That applies to the United States, to China and to India.

What to watch

Mark January on the calendar. If the administration follows through with new tariffs before the new Congress is seated, markets will notice quickly. Keep sales contracts clear about who bears tariff risk. Do not hold grain in the hope of a political breakthrough. And watch crude oil and the exchange rate, because they move canola prices faster than any headline from Capitol Hill.

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2027 Early Booking Program

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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
Yellow Peas | Glyphosate Free	Southeast Saskatchewan | Jan-Mar

Market information is provided for general reference. Prices, movement windows and buyer specifications are subject to change and confirmation.

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CHEMICAL BASE PRICING:

• 500L or 1000L Totes (Subject to Availability)

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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) 434-0403 (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) 434-0403 (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)

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Trades Update

Johnstons Grain

Total Tonnage: 1,738MT

Johnstons Connected

Total Tonnage: 2,150MT

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Western Canadian Weather Forecast

CALGARY SASKATOON WINNIPEG

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Bulk Fuel

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Currency Update

USD into CAD: $1.4105
CAD into USD:$0.7091

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Commodities Update(USD$)

Dec’26 Live Cattle: $212.675
Dec’26 Lean Hogs: $54.100
Oil (WTI): $90.47
Oil (WCS): $61.22
Gold: $4,132.56
Silver: $51.96
Bitcoin: $76,139.00
Ethereum: $2,244.42

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Daily Joke

A bear walks into a bar. He says, “I’ll have a gin… … … … and tonic.”

The bartender says, “Sure, but what about the big pause?”

The bear says, “I was born with them.”

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Friday Riddle

I am a protector who sits on a bridge. Only one person can see through me, while others cannot. What am I?

Answer at end of daily

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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: $292
Jan-Mar²⁷: $295
Apr-June: $305
Subject To Reconfirmation*

Malt Barley
No bid

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CANARY SEED

#1 Canada
$0.20-$0.21/Lb
FOB Farm Nov-Feb

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CANOLA
*We are always looking for tough, green, sprouted or heated canola. Please reach out with any offers*

Conventional Canola
No Bid
Delivered November
Southern-Alberta

Conventional Canola
Call For Bid
FOB Farm November
Saskatchewan | Manitoba

Closing Futures Prices
Jan 2027 Futures: $747.00
Mar 2027 Futures: $758.50
May 2027 Futures: $767.80

Non-Gmo Canola (Clearfield)
November-December: Call For Bid

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CHICKPEAS

Kabuli Chickpeas
#2 Canada: $0.29-$0.305/lb
FOB Farm Nov-Feb
Max 20% 7mm, Min 40% 9mm

Feed/Sample Kabuli
$0.12-0.13/lb
FOB Farm Nov-Feb

Desi Chickpeas
Call for bid

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CORN

#2CW Corn MB FOB Farm
Nov-Dec: Call For Bid
Jan-Mar: Call For Bid

Closing Futures Prices
Dec 26′ Futures: $440-6
Mar 27′ Futures: $455-0
May 27′ Futures: $463-2

Southern AB Corn (FOB)
November: $287
December: $287
January: $298
February: $298
March: $298
April: $306
May: $306
June:$306
Basis Contracts Available*

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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

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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-Jan

Brown Flax
#1 Canada: Call For Bid
FOB Farm MB | Nov-Jan

Yellow Flax
#1 Canada: No Bid
Delivered AB Facility | Prompt

Yellow Flax
#1 Canada: Call For Bid
SK MB | Nov-Jan

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LENTILS

Large Greens (Lairds | 2026 Crop Year)
#2 Canada: $0.28-$0.30/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

X3 Canada: $0.21-$0.23/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

#3 Canada: $0.19-$0.20/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

Medium Greens (Richleas)
#1,#2 Can: $0.16-0.17/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

Small Greens (Estons | 2026 Crop Year)
#1 Canada: $0.27-$0.28/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

#2 Canada: $0.18-$0.20/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

X3 Canada: $0.17-$0.18/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

#3 Canada: $0.14-$0.16/lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

Red Lentils
#2 Canada: $0.23-$0.24/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

X3 Canada: $0.18-$0.19/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

#3 Canada: $0.16-$0.17/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

Feed/Sample Canada: $0.14-$0.15/Lb
FOB Farm for Nov-Feb

French Green Lentils
#1 Can: $0.22-$0.23/Lb
FOB Farm Nov-Feb
Subject to Reconfirmation*

Beluga Lentils (Black)
Call for Bid

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MUSTARD

Yellow Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.38-$0.40/lb
FOB farm for Nov-Feb

Brown Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.36-$0.38/lb
FOB farm for Nov-Feb

Oriental Mustard
#1 Canada: $0.37-$0.38/lb
FOB farm for Nov-Feb

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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-Feb | Saskatchewan

Feed Oats (38-40Lb/Bu)
$2.00-$2.45/bu
FOB Farm Nov-Feb
Discounts for lighter product
Freight area sensitive

Closing Futures Prices
Dec 2026 Futures: $335-4
Mar 2027 Futures: $355-4

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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-Jan
Saskatchewan

Yellow Peas
#2 Canada: $9.50-$10.00/bu
FOB Farm Jan–March
Glyphosate Free
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

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RYE

Hybrid Rye
Call For Bid
FOB farm Nov-Jan
AB | SK | MB

Open-Pollinated Rye
Call For Bid
FOB farm Nov-Jan
AB | SK | MB

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.

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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: $1200-4
Mar 27′ Futures: $1207-2
Nov 27′ Futures: $1184-0

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WHEAT

#1 CWRS 14.0%
$9.75/bu
Delivered Southern-Alberta
November

#1 CWRS 13.5%
$9.50/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
November

Feed Wheat
$7.75/bu
Delivered Southern-Alberta
Nov-Jan

Feed Wheat
$6.50 | (+/-)$0.50/bu
FOB Farm Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Nov-Jan

#1 CWAD (Durum)
Call For Bid
FOB Farm or Delivered AB Facility
Nov-Jan

#1 CWAD (Durum)
$8.00-$8.50/Bu
FOB Farm Southeast SK
Nov-Jan

#1 CWAD | Call for Full Specs
$8.50-$9.00/bu
FOB Farm MB |Nov-Jan

Triticale
Call For Bid
Nov-Jan

Riddle Answer: Sunglasses

In Loving Memory of Allan Johnston

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