What the Futures!

Canola futures are green, but prairie basis is still ugly. In today’s Cuppa Coffee, Ryan Denis breaks down canola, wheat, urea, UAN, crude oil, crop conditions, and crop marketing strategy with Evan Boyle from Simple Hedge.

Canola was trading around $763/tonne, crude oil was under $78/barrel, urea was around $800/tonne, and wheat markets were trying to find support. Ryan and Evan discuss whether farmers should sell wheat rallies, whether canola basis is lagging futures, whether puts still make sense, and why relief rallies may be the marketing opportunity farmers cannot afford to ignore.

Guest:

Can canola keep rallying? Or is this a relief rally before lower prices ahead?

In Episode 126 of What the Future’s Podcast, Ryan Denis is joined by Trent Clarenbach of Clarenbach Research to discuss canola, wheat, crude oil, commodity supercycles, crop marketing decisions, fertilizer price volatility, food security, and why farmers may need to stay disciplined despite bullish sentiment.

They also discuss: • Canola above $800/tonne • Wheat market warning signs • Commodity supercycle expectations • Crude oil outlook • Fertilizer’s shocking $500/tonne correction • Weather impacts across Western Canada • Food security and global trade • Crop marketing strategies for 2026

Guest: Trent Clare...

Canola hit $802, pulled back near $774, and now farmers are asking the big question: did canola already hit its seasonal high, or is this just a relief rally?

In this episode of Cuppa Coffee from What the Futures, Ryan Denis is joined by Farmer Nathan to talk through the live grain market moves, canola pricing, wheat basis, diesel price discovery, prairie moisture, unseeded acres, hedging resources, and how farmers can make profitable sales without freezing up emotionally.

Nathan breaks down how he approached $800 canola, why he still made earlier sales at profitable levels, and how he...

Canola just hit $800/ton for the first time since 2023.

This week Ryan Denis sits down with Susan Stroud from No Bull Ag to break down the surprising rally in canola, why U.S. biofuel policy may be driving the move, and what producers should consider as prices surge higher.

They discuss renewable fuel mandates, RIN values, soybean oil demand, canola’s role in biofuels, risk management, and why some of the best sales happen when farmers feel the most uncomfortable.

Plus: Western Ag joins the show to discuss CropCaster, fertility planning, yield forecasting, an...

Grain markets are moving fast on June 2. Brian Comeault is filling in on Cuppa Coffee while Ryan is away, and John DePape joins the show to break down wheat basis, canola near $780, diesel price discovery, unseeded acres, and what Western Canadian farmers should be watching next.

In this live grain market update, Brian covers canola futures, wheat pressure, soybeans, bean oil, crude oil, the Canadian dollar, Prairie rain delays, and diesel quotes that are getting farmers’ attention. Then John DePape explains why basis may matter more than many farmers think, why local bid competition can create major pr...

Episode 124 of the What the Futures Podcast features Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodity Research answering grower questions on peas, lentils, durum, canola, wheat, and feed barley. Penner breaks down Prairie weather extremes, pea demand from China and India, durum pressure from weaker North African demand, lentil uncertainty tied to Canada, Australia, and India, and canola’s rally into new highs. The episode also covers old crop wheat specials, rising feed barley values, improving canola basis, and the importance of staying ready to execute marketing plans.

00:00 Episode kickoff
00:43 Sponsor message
01:29 Markets and canola highs
03:07 Song of...

Canola prices, wheat hedging, late seeding risk, feed barley, oats, diesel, and weather market pressure are all on the table in this Tuesday Cuppa Coffee livestream from What the Future’s Podcast.

Ryan is joined by Quinton from JGL to talk through what farmers across the Prairies are watching right now, including canola hedge targets, wheat basis, seasonal market pressure, late planting concerns, export strength, and why weather may matter more than war headlines for grain and oilseed markets this week.

Sponsored by UPL.

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 UPL Wave + fertilizer shock
00:48 Canola hedg...

Delayed seeding in Western Canada, canola prices near recent highs, spring wheat drought risk, barley bids, and 2026 crop marketing strategy are all on the table in this episode of What the Futures Podcast.

Ryan Denis is joined by Brian Comeault of Ireland Comeault Lafoy / Canadian Ag Markets to break down what Prairie seeding delays could mean for canola, why canola puts may be worth a look, how U.S. wheat conditions could shape spring wheat, and what farmers should be watching before the next major market move.

Guest:
Brian Comeault, Canadian Ag Markets / Ireland...

Fertilizer prices, phosphate supply, and 2027 crop planning are already becoming major questions for farmers.

In this Tuesday Cuppa Coffee livestream from What the Future’s Podcast, Ryan Denis is joined by Josh Linville of StoneX to break down the fertilizer market, including phosphate, potash, urea, China, the Strait of Hormuz, and whether farmers should lock in fall fertilizer or keep waiting.

Josh explains why North America made it through spring 2026 better than some feared, why global fertilizer supplies are still tight, and what could cause phosphate prices to finally break lower. Ryan also covers canola, wh...

In Episode 122 of the What the Futures podcast, Ryan reviews a volatile week in prairie crop markets after a USDA-driven spike and explains how grain companies often widen or protect basis during rallies, creating large price discrepancies between nearby elevators. He urges farmers to focus on execution during seeding-season market spikes, emphasizing that rallies can materially improve farm profitability and should be evaluated and protected. Using real examples (e.g., Killam vs. Daysland, Alberta; Aberdeen vs. Melfort, Saskatchewan), he compares wheat bids and breaks down futures, currency, and basis to show differences of roughly 50+ cents per bushel. Ryan discusses...

Ryan Denis is joined by Allison Thompson of The Money Farm to break down the latest USDA WASDE report expectations, wheat market rally potential, 2012-style drought comparisons, and the biggest crop marketing strategies farmers need right now.

From wheat, corn, soybeans, barley hedging strategies, and weather risk, this episode covers critical insights for producers navigating volatile grain markets in 2026.

Topics Covered:

- USDA WASDE new crop outlook
- Wheat rally opportunities
- US drought map vs 2012
- Spring wheat & winter wheat risks
- Barley downside protection
...

Episode 121 of the What the Futures Podcast features Ryan Copithorne (Cows in Control) on cattle markets sitting at all-time highs, including why pricing is strong, what bearish risks to watch, and practical risk management ideas like forward selling, livestock price insurance, and hedging, plus details on his June 18 event in Madden, Alberta. Ryan also discusses farm community challenges, flooding and road washouts delaying seeding on the Denis farm, and emphasizes “tractor cab math” to compare today’s grain prices to budgets and lock in margins. Tyler Yaremchuk (Nation Network) joins to recap the NHL playoffs, discuss Oilers roster needs, and re...

The host recaps morning market moves (canola steady; wheat, soybeans, and corn lower; bean oil strong; CAD ~73.5; WTI down) and urges diesel price discovery due to wide quote variance, then welcomes Chuck Penner of Left Field Commodities to discuss what’s driving markets, seasonal patterns, and crop marketing timing. Penner says many crops are still following seasonals despite record production, warning wheat/canola and other major crops often top within the next few weeks and tend to weaken into summer, so growers shouldn’t assume rallies will continue. They review USDA crop progress and ratings, prairie seeding disruptions from exce...

On a holiday week, Ryan shares a condensed market outlook for Western Canadian farmers heading into planting 2026, covering key themes and practical strategy. He discusses how “blow-off tops” in markets like canola and wheat often mark difficult levels to trade above, and why he’s cautious short-term on canola while still expecting multiple selling chances. He outlines three marketing “baskets” (patience for specialty crops like peas/lentils and malt barley; opportunistic for wheat and feed barley; forgiving for canola), notes heavy 2025 global supplies and specialty-crop carryover, and flags major wildcards including Middle East conflict impacts on fertilizer availability, higher energy/fre...

What separates the top 2% of farms from everyone else? In this episode, Ryan Denis talks with Evan Shout about crop marketing, farm financials, cash flow, diversification, and the management decisions that actually move the needle. If you farm in Western Canada, this one is packed with real perspective. Guest: Evan Shout of Maverick Ag, Farmer Coach, and The Truth About Ag.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:31 Meet Evan Shout

04:47 How farmers react when markets get volatile

09:54 The first big farm coaching aha moments

12:10 Why Farmer Coach exists

Episode 118 of the What the Futures Podcast features meteorologist Bret Walts (BAM Weather) discussing the developing strong-to-potential “Super El Niño,” its definition, and likely impacts on U.S. and Canadian moisture patterns, including continued Kansas winter wheat dryness with a possible pattern change toward more rain later in April/May and a warmer, generally favorable late-April/May outlook for Saskatchewan and Alberta planting. Ryan also shares crop market notes, highlighting wheat strength tied to Kansas dryness, caution on barley and canola, and the importance of being comfortable with hedge and sales positions. The episode then turns to diesel with...

The host delivers a live grain and energy market update, noting canola slightly higher near 719 on July/November, soybeans up, bean oil lower, KC wheat up about 11 cents on poor hard red winter wheat ratings (around 18% good-to-excellent), and WTI crude down sharply near $95 with the Canadian dollar around 72.97. Prairie cash highlights include a notable shift in Alberta feed barley bids becoming competitive again in the Edmonton region, Lethbridge fall feed barley around 6.30–6.40/bu, malt and feed barley offers in Saskatchewan, old-crop yellow peas at 8.50–9.00/bu, new-crop flax near 16.50, and new-crop green peas around 9.50–10.00. Input prices discussed include NH3 near $1,600/ton in...

In episode 117 of the What the Futures Podcast (recorded April 8), Ryan covers a sharp midweek market drop and questions whether a Middle East ceasefire will matter for crop prices, noting markets were already cracking. He compares pre-war and current futures levels, with canola holding gains best while corn and soybeans have erased them, and suggests selling and re-owning risk on paper versus trusting a lasting ceasefire. Ryan updates his crop rankings after raising his fertilizer budget about $40/acre, yet makes minimal price assumption changes (max 3%), with canola still top for margin on his farm, maple peas and flax next...

Grain markets look bullish right now… but something isn’t adding up. In today’s Cuppa Coffee, we break down why oil is driving markets higher, yet wheat, canola, and other crops aren’t reacting the way they should.

What you’ll learn:

- Why this rally feels uneasy

- The impact of oil prices on grain markets

- What a “blow-off top” means for canola

- Why wheat isn’t reacting to bullish news

- The real risk behind Middle East headlines

- Fertilizer and oil price im...

In episode 116 of What The Futures, Ryan welcomes Allison Thompson of The Money Farm for her debut to break down USDA acreage expectations, market volatility and technical levels in wheat, and what early fertilizer bookings and rotation decisions may mean for corn, soybeans, and expanding crops like canola and sunflowers, including a canola acreage jump to 2.685 million. Ryan also answers Cuppa Coffee questions on canola carry and thin liquidity, payback on on-farm fertilizer and fuel storage, the Lunchbox Crew community, and diesel hedging via heating oil or crude. James Mitchell of Crop Management Network then focuses on domestic Western...

The EPA just handed canola its biggest biofuel win in history, and most farmers haven't caught up to what it means yet. Canola oil demand for U.S. biomass-based diesel is projected to more than double, with massive implications for Canadian producers. This week on Cuppa Coffee, Ryan is joined by Susan Stroud from NoBullAg.com to break down the EPA's final Set 2 renewable fuel standard ruling, Indonesia's surprise B50 biodiesel mandate, and why the global vegetable oil market just got dangerously tight.

Check out Susan's work: https://www.NoBullAg.com

This week's sponsor: Agi3...

In episode 115 of the What The Futures Podcast, Ryan is joined by Mark and Kent from BrettYoung to discuss forage crops, including seed availability, planning timelines, and BrettYoung’s forage establishment guarantee, which offers 100% seed replacement for orders placed before April 1 in the event of natural disasters. They cover common establishment risks such as frost, wind erosion, and increasing gopher damage, and stress the importance of early planning, proper seeding depth, moisture, seed-to-soil contact, and scouting. The conversation also includes cover crop guidance (notably oats and low cereal seeding rates), fertility timing for different nutrients, and herbicide options for ea...

Markets are moving fast again this week — oil volatility, canola pressure, and potential biofuel policy shifts are shaping farmer decisions right now. In this Cuppa Coffee episode, Ryan breaks down what’s happening in grain markets and what it could mean for your next move. Sponsored by:

✔️ https://www.agi3.ai (Forward Protect Insurance – protect your contracts)

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – What’s moving markets this week

00:08 – Canola opportunities & forward contracting strategy

00:28 – Market open: canola, soybeans, wheat, corn, oil

01:30 – Weekly pattern: oil, war headlines & market reactions

02:00 – Why oil dropped (and why it matter...

In episode 114 of the What the Futures Podcast, Ryan returns after a missed Friday show, shares community fundraising that reached $7,000 for the perinatal bereavement program at Lois Hole Hospital and the Briar Patch community preschool, and promotes the April 11 hat design contest with UPL and the Canadian Center for Agricultural Wellbeing. He talks with Steven from Simple Hedge about extreme market volatility, why biofuels have increased the correlation between energy and oilseeds, and how a crude oil move to $120 or $140 could translate through ULSD and soybean oil into higher soybean and canola prices, alongside using options for downside protection...

In today’s Cuppa Coffee livestream, Ryan breaks down what’s really happening in the grain markets right now, including canola, wheat, and the role basis is playing in what farmers are actually being paid. If you’ve been watching the rally but your local bids don’t seem to match, this episode explains what’s going on and what to watch next.

Sponsored by AG3, protect your contracts while staying flexible: https://agi3.ai/

Jump to what matters: 00:00

Market overview – what’s moving today

00:40 Canola price movement breakdown

01:30 Wheat and broa...

Grain markets are extremely volatile right now. Canola is rallying, wheat futures are climbing, but many farmers say their cash bids aren’t improving. In this episode of What the Futures, host Ryan Denis sits down with grain marketing expert Brian Comeault to break down why basis is collapsing, why canola prices are surging, and how farmers should think about selling grain during geopolitical volatility. They also discuss acreage shifts in Western Canada, barley demand, and how farmers should manage risk when markets move this fast.

Topics covered - Why wheat futures are rising but cash prices la...

In episode 113 of the What The Futures Podcast, Ryan discusses market volatility amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, with canola trading over $700/tonne and energy markets rising, and emphasizes having crop and input risk-management strategies. He shares a personal reflection on his daughter Eva’s birthday and announces a charity auction supporting the perinatal bereavement program at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton and the Briar Patch Community Preschool. Pro Grow Agriculture’s Maury Mli joins to discuss tightening farm budgets, using precision/variable-rate planning, and notes most farmers have fertilizer booked despite higher prices. LeftField Comm...

Canola just broke $700, but a weekend escalation in the Middle East is sending diesel and fertilizer costs through the roof. In this week's Cup of Coffee, Ryan breaks down what's moving markets and what farmers should do RIGHT NOW about fuel, urea, and canola hedging. Guest Quintin from JGL Capital joins to walk through the two hedging strategies dominating broker conversations this week: straight puts (with implied volatility still low) and selling futures with an upside insurance call. Plus: Should you fill your fuel tanks today or wait?

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 — Opening & Market Prices (Canola $703 May / $707 Nov)

In episode 112 of the What the Futures Podcast, Ryan Denis interviews Trent Klarenbach in Camrose, Alberta as November canola approaches $700, discussing key resistance levels, whether the move is a bear-market rally, and why growers should position for both downside protection and upside potential. Ryan shares show updates, a March 1–April 11 hat design contest supporting the Canadian Center for Agricultural Wellbeing, and sponsor notes on John Deere Operations Center. The mailbag covers put options vs futures-first contracts, choosing hedge months, and how to think about percent sold when yields are uncertain, plus broker suggestions including Simpson Caputo Group, JGL Capital, an...

Fertilizer markets are tightening fast. In this episode of What the Future’s Podcast, Ryan Denis sits down with fertilizer expert Josh Linville to break down what farmers should expect heading into spring 2026. They cover nitrogen and phosphate supply risks, China export impacts, logistics bottlenecks, and whether a summer reset is still coming. If you haven’t secured fertilizer yet, this is a must-watch.

Topics Covered: - Fertilizer supply outlook - Nitrogen and phosphate market risks - China export restrictions - Spring logistics concerns - Summer fill program expectations - Risk management strategies for farmers Like, subscribe, and...

Episode 111 of What the Futures is a two-for-one: REAL 2026 crop marketing talk with Saskatchewan farmer Nathan Kuhn + Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics hockey/curling with Tyler Yaremchuk (Daily Faceoff / Oilersnation). If you’re staring at canola targets and wondering “sell or hold?”, this episode is for you, plus we break down the chaos in Italy as the medal rounds heat up.

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Episode 111 preview (Nathan Kuhn + Tyler Yaremchuk)

00:37 UPL studio + program talk (Smart Art Buy / Grower Rewards) + Battalion

02:10 Olympics are the “positive moment” this week

04:24 Nathan Kuhn joins (Unity, SK) 08:36 How Nathan...

00:00 Market Open: Canola, Soybeans, Wheat & CAD Snapshot

01:42 Viewer Qs: Red Lentils at 24¢ and 2026 Durum Acres

02:51 Headlines Driving Ag: Middle East, China Buying, Canola Anti-Dumping Decision

04:49 Wheat Watch: Record Volume, Weather Risks & KC Wheat Setup

06:16 Guest Joins: Sarah Cache (Trigger Grain) + Prairie Mood Check

08:20 KC Wheat Strategies: Targets, Basis Plays & Don’t Sleep on 2027 Futures

09:54 Old-Crop Movement: What’s Moving (Peas/Barley) and Where Specials Are

11:01 Canola Rally Game Plan: New-Crop Risk Management Near $700

13:40 Cereals & Pulses: Oats Economics, Red Lentils Pricing, Durum Outlook

17...

In this episode of the What the Futures Podcast, host Ryan reviews the topics and strategies covered over the past month, answers listener questions from a swamped mailbag, and dives into market insights. Recorded from the UPL studio, the episode touches on important dates like the Valentine's Day reminder for farmers and the Smart Buy rewards deadline. Ryan addresses his take on the canola market, comments from previous episodes, the challenges of being bullish or bearish, and the steadying of markets. He also discusses his interactions with industry insiders, crop marketing planning, and the dynamics of pricing and sales...

In this episode, we dive into the latest market moves including canola, soybeans, bean oil, spring wheat, and corn. We'll explore the impact of the USDA report, discuss the India US trade deal's effect on bean oil prices, and analyze key trends such as canola crush margins and wheat market strategies. Questions from viewers tackle topics like marketing wheat for cash flow, canola crush margins, spread markets, and selecting grain marketing advisors. Additionally, we provide tips for leveraging market information for better price discovery. Join us for in-depth agricultural market insights and strategies.

00:00 Introduction and...

In this episode of 'What The Futures Podcast,' host Ryan delves into the current state of Western Canadian grain prices, reflecting on why he's the least bearish he's been in over three years. Joined by Bret Walts from BAM Weather, they discuss February's weather trends and what farmers can expect looking forward, including the potential for a delayed start to spring. Additionally, David and Mark from Global Ag Risk Solutions share insights on various private insurance offerings and new products for 2026 to help farmers mitigate risks and make informed decisions. Tune in for essential tips on crop marketing...

Join us as we dive into the current movements in the grain markets in Western Canada. This episode features a special guest, John Depape, who provides insights on topics ranging from canola prices, wheat trends, soybean oil volatility, and the impact of the China tariff pause on yellow and green pea markets. We also discuss the influence of recent US-India trade deals, the implications of the upcoming StatsCan report, and the trends in fertilizer prices. Don't miss our rapid insights and answers to farmers' pressing questions. Plus, learn about DG Mobile Seed Cleaning in Central Saskatchewan. Subscribe, like, and...

In this episode of What The Futures Podcast, Ryan Denis breaks down 2026 crop insurance strategy, fertilizer price shocks, and canola decision-making with Lysa Porth of Ag i3. Prairie farmers face thinner margins, volatile inputs, and tougher risk decisions. This episode shows how to think through them.

Links mentioned: UPL Grower Rewards Calculator: https://www.upl-ltd.com/ca

Harvest Profit: https://www.harvestprofit.com

What the Futures Podcast: https://whatthefuturespodcast.ca

If you’re planning for 2026 margins, this episode helps you think more clearly about fertilizer risk, insurance strategy, and grain marketing un...

In this episode of 'What The Futures' hosted by Ryan, various agricultural market trends are explored. The discussion opens with questions on the canola market, addressing concerns about sales strategies amidst improving basis levels and climbing futures. The yellow pea market is analyzed next, noting a significant price increase due to China removing tariffs. Wheat market fluctuations, affected by weather events in the US, are also examined. Guest analyst Trent shares insights on canola and wheat futures, emphasizing current resistance levels and potential market pullbacks. The episode concludes with market advice on pricing strategies and highlights on new crop...

Soybean oil is ripping higher and canola is catching a bid — but the real driver is US biofuel policy. In Episode 107, Ryan Denis is joined by Susan Stroud (No Bull Ag) to break down the new 45Z changes, what’s set in stone, and what we’re still waiting on from the EPA’s 2026–27 RVO mandates. If you’re marketing canola in Canada (or soybeans in the US), this is the clearest explanation of what’s moving veg oils right now — and what could change fast.

Links mentioned: