Effective immediately, the December 2009 Western Barley contract has been de-listed. The October 2009 and December 2009 contracts were the last remaining contracts under the old Rule 18 barley, and neither had outstanding open interest. Today was the last trading day for October 2009 futures, and the Exchange has also de-listed the December 2009 barley contract (futures and options).
As noted in previous circulars, ICE Futures Canada has launched a revised Western Barley futures contract. The contract specifications, which are detailed in Rule 19, include a delivery region focused on southern Alberta; shipment into the buyer’s facility; a new Barley Merchant participant category that may make delivery; and a number of other revisions. All contracts of Rule 19 barley, including November 2009, January 2010, and subsequent months, remain listed. Many of these months have open interest, and the revised contract has the broad support of the trading community.