Harvest 2017 prices as of noon on Friday, March 17, 2017 are as follows:
SWW @ $209.54/MT ($5.59/bu),  HRW @ $209.54/MT ($5.59/bu), 
HRS @ $233.93/MT ($6.37/bu),  SRW @ $209.54/MT ($5.59/bu), 

Technical indicators are defined as a mathematical calculation based on a security's price and/or volume. The result is used to predict future prices. Two popular technical analysis indicators are the moving average convergence-divergence (MACD) indicator and the relative strength index (RSI).

There are many different indicators available for chart study, but in theory, they are very similar and can be adjusted by changing the default numbers. Many indicators that will give you reliable signals on one commodity will not work as well on another. For this reason, I believe that it is best to choose just a couple of indicators that you find successful and stick to them. Use of more than two or three can result in analysis paralysis. This simply means you will get conflicting signals from different indicators and the result will be total confusion. This week, we will look at using two moving averages crossing each other to provide buy and sell signals. One very popular and common cross is the 50 day moving average (DMA) and 200 DMA used together. With this combination we look to plot both MA’s together on the chart. The shorter MA, or 50 DMA, is known as the trigger. Once the trigger (50 DMA) crosses above the 200 DMA, a buy signal is generated; likewise, once the trigger crosses below the 200 day, a sell signal is generated. The concept is to keep your position until an opposite signal is generated and then either liquidate or reverse.  This particular lagging indicator is used more for longer term traders and can be slow to generate signals, thus missing opportunities. •

Feedback is important.  If you find this education series beneficial, please contact Marty Hibbs, Grain Merchandiser at mhibbs@gfo.ca.

DISCLAIMER: This information has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by the author, by Grain Farmers of Ontario, or by any other person as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness and Grain Farmers of Ontario accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from any use of same. •

The 2017 Nuffield Scholars are gathered in Brasilia, Brazil this week for the Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference. Among the 74 attendees from around the world is Nicole Mackellar, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s sponsored Nuffield scholar, as well as representatives from Australia, Brazil, Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the U.S.
 
Over the nine-day conference, scholars have the opportunity to meet and network with one another, learn about agriculture in each other’s respective regions, attend leadership training courses, and hear presentations on the growth of Brazilian agriculture.
 
Scholars also toured Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, who were one of the main research institutes involved in turning Brazil from a food importer to one of the world’s largest agricultural producers. Scholars learned about drought resistance research in corn, soybeans, and sugar cane, and learned about fertilizer management research in corn being undertaken at Embrapa.

Mackellar is using her Nuffield scholarship to study the possibilities for branding of commodities that are further processed into ingredients. •

Grain Farmers of Ontario’s March Classic is just days away! The March Classic is the largest grain-focused conference in Eastern Canada drawing upwards of 700 attendees from farms across Ontario, government, and industry. This year’s speakers include General Rick Hillier, David Frum, Jolene Brown, and Terry O’Reilly. Entertainment for the evening banquet will feature Canadian comedian and actor Jonny Harris.
 
The 2017 March Classic is being held on March 21 at the London Convention Centre in London, Ontario. For more information, visit www.gfo.ca/marchclassic. Pre-registration is now closed, however, walk-ins are welcome. •

Grain Farmers of Ontario would like to thank all of our farmer-members in eastern Ontario who visited us at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show this week. It was a great opportunity to speak with them about important issues, such as increased costs farmers are facing as a result of the new cap and trade program.
 
You learn more about our time at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show in this week’s episode of Inside Grain Farmers of Ontario. •