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What the Futures!
What the Futures!
Author: Ryan Denis
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© 2023
Description
Do you ever have a moment on the farm, where you look around and wonder what the ... is going on? Dive into the market factors impacting Western Canadian agriculture every week with Ryan Denis. With over a decade of experience advising farmers on crop and business decisions, Ryan will tackle the tough selling and buying decisions that each farm faces. This is the podcast for farmers in Western Canada!
120 Episodes
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In Episode 103 of the What the Futures Podcast, host Ryan welcomes Josh Linville, the fertilizer market expert from Stonex, to discuss the current state and future trends of the fertilizer industry. Recorded in the UPL Studio, Ryan kicks off the episode with updates about the upcoming Crop Marketing Made Cool conference in Moose Jaw and recent agricultural market insights. Josh elaborates on global factors affecting fertilizer prices, the impact of China's export behaviors, and the challenges of expanding fertilizer production. They also dive into the implications for North American farmers and strategies for making better buying decisions amid fluctuating market conditions. Additionally, Tyler Yaremchuk from the Nation Network drops by to discuss the latest on the Edmonton Oilers and NHL trade rumors. Don't miss this deep dive into the world of agriculture, sports, and strategic planning for the new year!
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:34 Upcoming Events and Conference Details
01:38 Guest Introduction: Josh Linville
02:40 Market Insights and Crop Marketing Window
05:38 Hockey Talk with Tyler
20:48 Crop Production Estimates and Market Analysis
29:32 Interview with Josh Linville
31:01 Challenges in the Fertilizer Industry
32:59 China's Impact on Urea and Phosphate Markets
34:14 Investment and Expansion in Fertilizer Production
37:59 Market Dynamics and Farmer Decisions
41:58 Future Outlook and Buying Strategies
48:02 Connecting with Industry Experts
51:10 Podcast Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts
In episode 102 of the 'What the Futures Podcast,' host Ryan discusses the often frustrating yet crucial aspect of grain contracting targets within Western Canadian farming. Highlights include an in-depth look at how targets can work, a reflective segment on a recent trip to Raleigh, North Carolina revealing the people-centric nature of farming, and various shout-outs for recent accomplishments and contributors to the farming community. Also, noteworthy crop marketing insights include the rising prices of yellow peas, red lentils, and feed barley, as well as the importance of effective target setting. Additionally, listeners get a glimpse of the challenges faced by farmers and the cutthroat competition in the wheat market. Join Ryan in this informative episode made to guide farmers in making better decisions and navigating the intricacies of the agricultural industry.
00:00 Introduction to Episode 102
04:40 Thank Yous and Acknowledgements
07:23 YouTube Apology and Listener Feedback
10:31 Positive Moments and Personal Anecdotes
13:18 Conference Planning and Excitement
18:12 Crop Marketing Insights
26:13 Target Strategies in Grain Marketing
32:02 Upcoming Episodes and Events
33:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Crop diversity, 2026 seeding plans, and real farm margins, that’s what we dive into on Episode 101 of What The Futures with returning guest Nathan Kon. Recorded in Raleigh, NC at the UPL Research Center, Ryan breaks down 2025 learnings, John Deere Operations Center insights, specialty crop performance, fuel-efficiency margin advantages, and how farmers are planning acres heading into 2026.
Nathan shares how his farm approached wheat, canola, malt barley, yellow peas, mustard, lentils, and oats—and what he’s expanding in 2026.
Plus: market rallies you shouldn’t sleep on, cash-flow planning, basis levels, hedging, and the importance of working with the right broker.
Crop Marketing Made Cool Conference — Dec 9–11 (Moose Jaw)Get tickets → https://www.ryandenis.ca
UPL online auction → https://www.ryandenis.ca
BrettYoung email signup → https://www.bretteyoung.ca
⏰ Timestamps 00:00 Intro, UPL studio, Raleigh NC 01:08 Online auction, UPL Battalion, CCAW 02:00 Positive moments, family, travel 03:02 Crop diversity, tight margins 2026 04:10 Canola ranked #1, John Deere Ops Center 05:18 Hidden factors in crop ranking 06:14 2026 seeding plans, no silver bullet 08:00 Post-harvest rally, don’t sleep on markets 09:58 Winter logistics, basis, cash flow 12:40 BrettYoung email list, canola rebate, travel vouchers 13:20 Nathan Kon intro, Roughriders, UPL trip 15:20 2025 results on Nathan’s farm 17:00 Specialty crops: lentils, barley, oats, mustard 19:18 Mustard grading issues, yields, lessons 20:24 Crops to expand, wheat vs specialty margins 21:40 Yellow peas, carryover, price risk 23:00 Speaking at Crop Marketing Made Cool, RBC 24:10 2025 marketing wins: canola, wheat, feed barley 26:00 Wheat basis, export demand, carry 28:10 Futures, options, hedging with broker 31:00 Conference vibe, engaged farmers, Moose Jaw 36:40 Eating Your Veggies: cash flow, 2026 plans 41:00 Online auction last call, salsa, sponsors 43:00 Closing, ticket invite, subscribe
We talked Jays heartbreak, Oilers questions, NHL surprises and CFL predictions — a fun break from the markets.
This one means a lot to me.Every bid supports farmer mental health through the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing and their Farmer Crisis Line (1-866-FARMS01).
And the lineup this year is unreal.We’ve got impressive crop marketing support, one-of-a-kind gear, generous donations from UPL and Progro … and if your farm needs a new logo, this might be your lucky day. Auction closes in 9 days!
Take a look. Drop a bid. → https://www.ryandenis.ca/charity-auction
— Ryan
Welcome to Episode 100 of the What The Futures Podcast with host Ryan Denis! In this milestone episode, Ryan reflects on the incredible journey from episode 1 to 100, sharing insights on the genesis of the podcast, memorable moments, guest appearances, and the evolution of the show's production quality. From recording in various locations, including campfires, combines, and breweries, to the introduction of numerous hats and even funny interruptions by his children and cats, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to all the sponsors, guests, and loyal listeners who have made the podcast possible. Dive into the journey of better farming decisions, special partnerships, and a peek into the future of the What The Futures Podcast. Don't miss out on this special retrospective episode filled with laughter, gratitude, and behind-the-scenes stories!
00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration
00:55 Origins of the Podcast
02:07 Early Challenges and Evolution
04:29 Listener Interaction and Feedback
06:06 Memorable Episodes and Guests
10:51 Family Moments and Junior Producers
15:12 Hat Obsession and Collection
19:57 Production Evolution and Learnings
24:20 The Value of Impactful Content
26:41 Shoutout to Sponsors
28:54 Garage Cats Moments
31:49 Recording in Unique Locations
40:03 Podcast Milestones and Challenges
46:24 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts
In this episode of 'What the Futures Podcast,' host Ryan teams up with Chuck Penner from Leftfield Commodity Research to delve into key agricultural topics. They discuss Durum, lentils, 2026 acreage plans, and the significant 30% tariff imposed by India on Canadian yellow peas. The conversation also covers fertilizer market dynamics, crop marketing strategies, and the latest developments in global agricultural trade. Don't miss the announcement of the Harvest Hustle contest winner, valuable market insights, and tips for better farming decisions. Tune in for an informative episode packed with industry knowledge and practical advice.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:53 Fertilizer Market Insights
04:25 Fertilizer Price Negotiations
12:29 Interview with Chuck Penner
13:18 Impact of Indian Tariffs on Yellow Peas
25:23 Durum and Lentil Market Analysis
32:31 2026 Seeding Acreage Predictions
36:40 Crop Rankings and Profitability Margins
41:28 Reflections on Crop Insurance and Yield Outcomes
47:03 Trade Issues and Market Movements
50:08 Upcoming Crop Marketing Conference
51:22 Halloween Fun and Personal Reflections
58:30 Market Updates and Strategies
01:08:40 Harvest Hustle Contest Winner Announcement
In this week's episode of the What The Futures Podcast, host Ryan welcomes back Trent Klarenbach from Klarenbach Research to discuss a variety of agricultural market topics. They cover the dynamics in canola, soybeans, Durum, and Chicago wheat markets, sharing insights on current trends and potential strategies. Trent also sheds light on the turmoil in the fertilizer market, particularly focusing on the urea segment. The episode highlights the importance of making informed crop marketing decisions and leveraging opportunities amidst the prevailing market uncertainty. Additionally, Ryan shares some personal anecdotes about his family and positive moments in farming, offering a refreshing perspective on balancing work and life. Tune in for actionable insights and to hear Ryan's excitement for the upcoming 100th episode of the podcast.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:30 Positive Moments and Personal Stories
06:43 Conference Updates and Market Insights
09:35 Interview with Trent Klarenbach
22:51 Urea Market Trends and Confusion
23:46 Retailer Perspectives and Farmer Leverage
25:49 Market Dynamics and Predictions
30:11 Cattle Market and Diesel Fuel Insights
31:37 Crop Marketing Strategies and Challenges
38:47 Fertilizer Market Chaos and Opportunities
41:40 Harvest Hustle Contest and Community Engagement
47:28 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
Welcome to Episode 97 of the What the Futures Podcast, your quick guide to better farming decisions, recorded weekly in the UPL studio. This week's episode delves into the 2026 crop rankings with guest experts Eric Gregory from BrettYoung and Chris Anderson from DL Seeds. Host Ryan shares his insights on crop marketing, the challenges of 2026 planning, and reflects on the need for more diversified cropping plans. The episode also touches on farm management tools like John Deere Operations Center and Harvest Profit. Engage with farm stakeholders, pencil out strategies for 2026, and explore deferred bids for better decision-making. Tune in for essential farming insights and practical tips to optimize your next growing season.
00:00 Introduction to 2026 Crop Rankings
02:06 Thanksgiving Reflections and Personal Stories
05:25 Conference Announcements and Application Process
08:44 Market Conditions and Farmer Experiences
18:57 Partnership with BrettYoung
20:00 Interview with Eric Gregory and Chris Anderson
41:44 BrettYoung's Liberty Link Canola Success
43:18 Pod Shattering Resistance Collaboration
46:38 Future Excitement: 2026 and Beyond
51:45 Farmer Engagement and Results Sharing
57:24 Harvest Playlist and Final Thoughts
58:22 Crop Rankings and Concerns for 2026
In Episode 96 of the 'What The Futures' podcast, host Ryan delves into essential farming topics including the timely consideration of fertilizer purchases for the 2026 crop year. James Mitchell from Crop Management Network provides the latest updates on the fertilizer market and discusses global factors affecting prices. Tyler Yaremchuk from the Nation Network joins to talk all things NHL and sports, kicking off a new monthly segment. Additionally, Kyle Gibson from Agi3 discusses insurance options and the Harvest Hustle photo contest, offering a chance to win a trip to the Olympic Curling Trials in Halifax. This episode is packed with practical advice, market insights, and even a bit of hockey excitement!
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:19 Special Guests and New Segments
03:09 Conference Announcements and Deadlines
09:00 Market Updates and Crop Planning
11:06 Fertilizer Insights with James Mitchell
38:06 Positive Moments
41:02 Introducing Tyler Yaremchuk
43:41 McDavid Extension Announcement
48:59 Kyle Connor's Contract and Canadian Teams
54:00 Favorite Memorabilia and Closing Remarks
56:45 Voicemail Contest and Crop Marketing Tips
01:00:54 Harvest Hustle Contest and Agi3 Updates
01:07:49 Shoutout to John Deere Service Departments
01:09:46 Crop Market Highlights and Conclusion
In Episode 95 of the 'What The Futures' podcast, host Ryan dives into essential fall planning strategies from a crop marketing perspective. Joined by resident agronomist Maury Micklich, the episode covers topics such as soil sampling, fertility planning, and the impact of global trends on fertilizer prices. As harvest wraps up across the prairie provinces, Ryan emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to ensure financial stability through the winter months. The episode also includes a discussion on the upcoming crop marketing conference and the latest updates on commodity prices. Don't miss practical tips and insights to help you make informed farming decisions.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:54 Fertilizer Market Insights
05:32 Conference Announcements and Updates
17:09 Soil Sampling and Fertility Planning
31:34 Variable Rate Programs: Are They All the Same?
42:00 Crop Marketing Strategies and Market Signals
54:13 Harvest Hustle Contest and Curling Trip
58:11 Family Adventures and John Deere Dealership Visit
01:00:09 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
Join Ryan on Episode 94 of the What The Futures Podcast as he sits down with industry veteran John De Pape to discuss canola strategies, comparisons to 2013, and crop marketing tactics. This episode covers the current hectic pace of farm operations, record-breaking yields, and the importance of balancing futures and basis. Learn about the nuances of using call options instead of traditional target orders and get insights into John's latest project, The Trading Floor. Plus, hear real-time updates and voicemail from farmers about their harvest progress. Don't miss this comprehensive guide to better farming decisions and strategies!
00:00 Special Guest Introduction: John De Pape
00:25 Welcome to Episode 94
00:53 Harvest Updates and Farm Life
04:19 Crop Marketing Insights
12:46 Listener Interactions and Feedback
18:20 Introducing John De Pape and The Trading Floor
38:42 Infrastructure and Basis Levels in 2013 vs. Now
41:04 Strategies for Managing Basis and Spreads
49:18 Writing Call Options for Canola
56:59 Combining Technology and Efficiency
59:59 Harvest Photo Contest and Prizes
01:01:49 Crop Marketing Plan and Financial Goals
01:07:36 Grain Deals and Quality Management
01:09:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Did you know you can get a call 4–6 weeks after delivery saying your malt barley has been rejected? Full story in this week’s podcast.
Plus: 5% drop in Urea $0.98 diesel quotes Yellow Peas gain $0.35 Feed Barley price hasn’t dropped in 14 days
Are you in the loop?
Join us for Episode 92 of the What The Futures Podcast where we welcome back Ryan Copithorne to dive into the recent volatility in cattle markets. Ryan discusses strategies junior traders and seasoned farmers can use to hedge their profits, including forward sales and protective futures strategies. The show opens with successful milestones, including the growth of podcast subscribers and the announcement of new partners. Additionally, you'll get updates on the Harvest Hustle Photo Contest, risk management tips from Ryan Copithorne, and insights into the Crop Marketing Made Cool Conference. Don't miss this comprehensive guide packed with market strategies, upcoming events, and much more!
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:27 Podcast Introduction and Subscriber Update
01:45 Recent Live Shows and Upcoming Events
04:40 Harvest Hustle Contest Details
16:15 Crop Marketing Insights
22:23 Cattle Market Analysis with Ryan Copithorne
27:25 Feedlot Economics and Supply Concerns
31:48 Bullish Factors in the Cattle Market
33:26 Risk Management in Volatile Markets
37:03 Voicemail Contest and Listener Updates
39:34 Crop Marketing Made Cool Conference Details
44:06 Harvest Updates and John Deere Operations Center
52:52 Memories of Old-School Grain Buying
56:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Content
Join host Ryan in episode 91 of the What The Futures Podcast, where he dives deep into the future of grain grading with Kyle Folk from Ground Truth Agriculture. Discover how automated grain grading technology is set to revolutionize farming. The episode also covers vital crop marketing strategies, live updates from recent episodes, and the impact on Western Canadian agriculture. Plus, get the inside scoop on this week's featured song and hear about exciting contest updates. Don't miss this insightful discussion on better farming decisions and the latest in agricultural technology.
00:51 Welcome to the Podcast
02:04 Live Episodes and YouTube Growth
05:07 Current Market Challenges
10:09 Crop Marketing Strategies
11:29 Interview with Kyle Folk from Ground Truth Agriculture
34:26 Reflecting on Grain Grading Experiences
37:21 The Future of Grain Technology
41:18 Challenges in Grain Grading
54:35 Strategies for Effective Crop Marketing
01:03:56 Positive Moments and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the 'What the Futures Podcast,' Ryan discusses the current market trends and the outlook for the fall of 2026. Joined by Suzanne Jackson from Market Master, they explore various topics including crop marketing strategies, mental health support initiatives, and the impact of weather on harvest yields. Listeners are encouraged to hit the subscribe button for special live streams, participate in the Harvest Photo Contest for a chance to win a trip to Halifax, and enjoy the curated harvest playlist on YouTube Music. The episode also highlights the importance of having a storage and delivery plan during the harvest season.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:50 Podcast and YouTube Updates
04:29 Harvest Photo Contest and Halifax Trip
09:34 Market Insights and Crop Marketing
25:20 Interview with Suzanne Jackson
35:31 Undersold Canola and Market Sentiments
42:18 Flax and Lentils: The Bright Spots
49:14 Back to Basics: Grain Marketing 101
53:08 Positive Moments and Harvest Updates
56:42 Voicemail and Listener Questions
01:06:23 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
In Episode 89 of the 'What the Futures Podcast,' host Ryan shares his eventful week in the Canadian prairies, discussing China's temporary 75% tariff on Canadian canola seed and fluctuating market conditions. Broadcasting from a family camping trip, Ryan candidly reveals the impact of emotions on his crop marketing decisions. He highlights the importance of patience and strategic planning in trading, sharing firsthand experiences and offering insights into the canola, wheat, and yellow pea markets. Additionally, the episode includes listener contributions, market updates, and information about the upcoming Crop Marketing Made Cool Conference. Tune in for actionable advice and personal anecdotes geared towards helping farmers make informed decisions.
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Overview
01:03 Personal Reflections and Market Emotions
02:26 Canola Market Analysis
08:33 Listener Voicemails and Personal Stories
13:36 Wheat and Yellow Pea Market Insights
19:38 Harvest Updates and Final Thoughts
Episode 88 was recorded in the UPL studio!
Thanks for tuning in!
Join Ryan on a unique episode of the What the Futures Podcast, as he broadcasts from Cold Lake, Alberta amidst spectacular jet flyovers. Ryan discusses the importance of crop marketing discipline amidst the current dry conditions and wheat market trends. He shares personal experiences from camping and watching the jets, while providing valuable insights into wheat, canola, and yellow pea markets. Also, get advice on making better farming decisions, plus a light-hearted camping story involving close encounters with skunks. Don’t miss out!
00:00 Introduction and Episode Teaser
00:19 Welcome to Episode 87
00:36 Live from Cold Lake, Alberta
01:25 Jets and Camping Adventures
04:10 Crop Marketing Insights
08:20 Positive Moments and Reflections
09:40 Market Updates and Strategies
16:06 Conclusion and Farewell
In Episode 86 of the What The Futures Podcast, host Ryan discusses the challenges of wheat marketing as the crop year comes to an end. The episode delves into reflecting on past decisions, handling the pressure of crop marketing, and strategies for moving forward. Recorded in the UPL studio, Ryan shares insights from his recent experiences at the Ag in Motion event and addresses common questions from farmers. He provides tips for handling wheat marketing, including understanding local market needs and setting future targets. The episode also highlights the importance of acknowledging both wins and losses in crop marketing, and features a special fundraising initiative for the Farm Crisis Helpline.
00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Crop Marketing
01:03 Housekeeping and Wheat Marketing Challenges
01:42 Handling the Pressure of Crop Marketing Decisions
04:44 Ag in Motion Highlights
09:38 Exclusive Podcast Merchandise and Fundraising
16:14 Positive Moments and Family Stories
19:44 New Contest Announcement
23:54 Wheat Marketing Insights and Strategies
27:24 Navigating Wheat Sales and Market Trends
43:32 Harvest Plan and Buyer Communication
47:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts




