Statistics Canada released May farm product price data showing uneven price conditions across livestock and crop markets.
Slaughter hog prices were slightly lower than in April in all provinces except Manitoba, where they rose 0.4%. The reported declines ranged from 1.4% in Prince Edward Island and Quebec to 0.1% in Saskatchewan. Statistics Canada said weaker exports of live slaughter hogs to the United States may have put downward pressure on prices.
Cattle prices continued to move in the opposite direction. Slaughter cattle prices rose across Canada in May, led by Quebec at 5.4% and Alberta at 5.0%. Compared with May 2025, slaughter cattle prices were at least 14.4% higher in every province.
Feeder cattle prices also increased from April to May in every province except Manitoba, where they slipped 0.4%. Gains ranged from 5.3% in the Atlantic provinces to 0.6% in Saskatchewan. Across provinces, feeder cattle prices were at least 18.4% higher than a year earlier.
On the crop side, canola prices rose for a fourth consecutive month across the Prairie provinces, with Manitoba up 4.5% and Alberta up 2.6%. Statistics Canada linked the rise to stronger Chinese demand after tariff reductions and to demand for biofuels.
Wheat prices, excluding durum, continued to rise across Western provinces, led by a 3.3% increase in Manitoba. Barley prices increased in all provinces except Ontario, with Quebec posting the largest monthly gain at 11.6% and the largest year-over-year gain at 32.5%.
For farm businesses, these prices affect revenue, cash flow, and planning before tax calculations begin. The May data also show how trade conditions, export demand, and biofuel markets can move through Canada's food and agriculture economy.