Crop choices Narrow

[Hamloc]

At curling last was talking to my neighbor. Has Copeland barley 99% germ but 10.7 protein. Looks like malt bids range between $4.30-4.40 but they say his protein is to low. Talked to another farmer signed a contract with Canada malt for next year with Synergy barley for $4.50.

Feed wheat is $5.25 at the bin, feed barley is $4.10, $4.25 if you go out to April.

Feed peas are $6.20 at the bin, number 2 yellows spring bids are in the $6.60 range.

CPS wheat not much better than feed, 13.5 and up hard red in high demand but what will it be next year? All central Alberta prices.

My question is this, profitable choices are few, if everyone grows hard red and canola they will tank as well, any thoughts or suggestions?

[SASKFARMER3]

Their is a profit if all land is paid for and equipment cost min and just shift to neutral and enjoy the down turn.

[farmaholic]

Hamloc....that's only half the equation... now throw in yields and if you're unlucky enough to have poor production...things get alot worse.

The whole process seems a bit redundant.... no one locks in enough prepriced production to make a big enough difference and yields are an absolute unknown.

We will stick to our basic rotation with the percentages of crop type acres varying from year to year.

The world is alot smaller and more competitive than it was even a generation ago.

[hobbyfrmr]

The most successful looking farms around here have a complex rotation of of canola, canola, wheat on owned land. The last couple of years the shift has been to canola, lentils, canola on owned land. Finally canola, canola, canola on rented land. There is wheat planted, some oats “here and there” and a smattering of quinoa.
Lots of land, lots of men and modern farm equipment. I’m not being sarcastic. Maximum yields, good profits.

[blackpowder]

At some point in the past I stopped giving up before the crop year had even started.

[farmaholic]

At some point in the past I stopped giving up before the crop year had even started.

It's easier to farm with no expectaions in the Slum of the Ghetto....less disappointments that way....and way more pleasant/peasant surprises!

[blackpowder]

We only have 4 crops here that pay any fixed costs. 2 of which are small % options. Rotations for basic agro reasons dictate. Canola remains king.
Dont read projections anymore. Just plant. Not truly a learned helplessness response. But more a series of hail marys saved by disaster elsewhere.
Regarding this Slum Ghetto thing.
Would you be like George Jefferson?

[MBgrower]

Their is a profit if all land is paid for and equipment cost min and just shift to neutral and enjoy the down turn.

actually I'm surprised how long the bull run was in ag commodities. Prices likely to decline further. at least we had the last 10 years to pay down debt, and upgrade machinery and storage to weather the down turn. still not nearly as bad as the 80's and 90's.

[farmaholic]

Regarding this Slum Ghetto thing.
Would you be like George Jefferson?

I really don't quite know what you're getting at. I know who George Jefferson is and a bit about his character. Find and post a short video best describing your comparison.

I'll ask Weezie what she thinks you might be getting at.

[burnt]

It's easier to farm with no expectaions in the Slum of the Ghetto....less disappointments that way....and way more pleasant/peasant surprises!

Paradise found...