Farm product prices, May 2025

Monthly provincial prices received by farmers in May for grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, cattle, hogs, poultry, eggs and dairy products are now available.

Prices for slaughter cattle strengthened compared with April across all provinces in May, with British Columbia (+7.2%) leading the gains. Year over year, prices increased at least 15.6% in each province. A smaller cattle herd contributed to the increased prices.

In May, prices for feeder cattle were up from April in every province, with increases ranging from 3.9% in Quebec to 7.5% in the Atlantic provinces. On a year-over-year basis, prices for feeder cattle were at least 23.5% higher in May.

Compared with April, prices for slaughter hogs increased in all provinces in May, except in British Columbia (-0.5%) and Nova Scotia (-1.0%). Ontario (+3.6%) posted the largest gain.

Following a monthly increase in April, canola prices continued to rise across the Prairie provinces in May. Alberta (+3.5%) led the gains, recording the fifth consecutive month of increase. Canola prices in May rose on a year-over-year basis in Alberta (+1.3%) and Manitoba (+1.2%) for the first time since 2022. Tightening domestic supply and steady demand supported canola prices.

In May, oat prices increased compared with April across all provinces except Manitoba (-2.2%). Ontario (+9.1%) posted the largest gain, followed by Saskatchewan (+6.4%) and Quebec (+3.5%). Strong exports and a shrinking supply of oats supported prices.