Cereals and oilseeds review

Large supplies pushed exports of the major grains higher in the August to November period relative to the same period of 2004, according to the latest issue of Cereals and Oilseeds Review.

Barley exports surged, driven by strong offshore feed barley demand.

Canola exports also advanced because of increased sales to Mexico, Japan and Pakistan. There were imposing stocks in commercial positions at the beginning of the crop year. Heavy farm deliveries then boosted these stocks to over 1.1 million metric tonnes. However, stocks began to dwindle in late October with strong domestic crush and export demand and the easing of harvest pressure.

Field pea exports reached a record pace with strong demand for edible peas in Asia and a feed-pea supply shortfall in the western Mediterranean region. These shipments are expected to shrink the plentiful stocks remaining from the record 2004 crop back to more normal levels by the end of the 2005/06 crop year.

In contrast, Western Canadian wheat exports (excluding durum) were down from last year as old-crop stocks of milling quality wheat were lower-than-normal and competition for the lower quality markets increased. The late harvest with reduced farm deliveries resulted in a slow start to the shipping season but the Canadian Wheat Board is expecting a larger export program overall in 2005/06.

The flow of flaxseed to Europe waned following an October fire at a major Belgium crushing plant and the approach of the end of the navigation season. Increased production in the United States has so far depressed US demand for Canadian flaxseed. Further, good crush margins for canola and soybeans reduced North American processor demand.

Data that will appear in the October issue of Cereals and Oilseeds Review (22-007-XIB, $12/$120) are now available. An overview of current grain supplies and markets will also be included in this publication, which will be available in January 2006.

For general information, contact Client Services (1-800-465-1991; agriculture@statcan.gc.ca). To enquire about the concepts, methods and data quality of this release, contact Les Macartney (613-951-8714; les.macartney@statcan.gc.ca), Agriculture Division.