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2009 (preliminary) (Previous release)

Farmers reported they expect to produce less grains and oilseeds on the Prairies compared with 2008. Farmers in Ontario and Quebec could produce more soybeans.

The July farm survey, which is a preliminary survey of field crop production, was conducted from July 27 to August 4 and covered 14,600 Canadian farmers.

In the West, late germination caused by unfavourable conditions this spring has held back progress by about two weeks compared with normal. Yields will drop for all major crops compared with 2008. In the drought-stricken areas of Saskatchewan and Alberta, higher than normal abandonment was also shown to be a factor in the loss of production.

In Ontario and Quebec, excessive moisture and cool growing conditions held back growing progress.

Table 1

Production estimates, July 31 
Crop 2008 2009 2008 to 2009
  thousands of tonnes  
  actual expected % change
Total wheat 28,611 23,614 -17.5
Spring wheat 18,405 16,150 -12.3
Durum wheat 5,519 4,519 -18.1
Winter wheat 4,687 2,945 -37.2
Canola 12,643 9,541 -24.5
Grain corn 10,592 9,437 -10.9
Barley 11,781 8,948 -24.0
Soybeans 3,336 3,483 4.4
Dry field peas 3,571 3,113 -12.8
Oats 4,273 2,967 -30.5
Flaxseed 861 915 6.3
Dry beans 266 218 -18.3

Canola production down

Canola production on the Prairies should decline considerably, as a result of a reduction in area harvested and lower yields. Production on the Prairies is estimated at 9.4 million tonnes, down 24.7% from 2008.

Farmers reported potential declines in area harvested, yield and production for all three Prairie provinces. The largest percentage decline may occur in Alberta, where a drop of 38.8% to 2.6 million tonnes was reported.

Feed grains decline

All three Prairie provinces reported possible decreases in production of barley and oats. Early indications are that Prairie barley production will fall 26.1% to 8.3 million tonnes, and oat production will fall 34.4% to 2.6 million tonnes.

Oat production may drop 43.8% in Manitoba, followed by declines of 31.2% in Saskatchewan and 28.2% in Alberta. Harvested area and yield were down in all three provinces. Barley production should fall by similar amounts, with the largest decline of 30.6% reported in Alberta.

Soybean production expected to increase

Farmers in Quebec and Ontario predict increases in soybean production, the result of an expected record harvested area in both provinces.

Soybean production in Quebec is expected to reach a new high at 610,000 tonnes. This optimism is based on a 5.0% increase in harvested area to an estimated 594,300 acres.

Ontario farmers expect an increase in soybean production of 1.6% to 2.5 million tonnes, the result of an additional 305,000 harvested acres to 2.4 million acres.

Available on CANSIM: tables 001-0004, 001-0010, 001-0017 to 001-0020 and 001-0040 to 001-0043.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 3401.

The publication Field Crop Reporting Series: July 31 Estimate of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, Vol. 88, no. 5 (22-002-X, free) is now available from the Publications module of our website.

For further information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact David Burroughs (613-951-5138; dave.burroughs@statcan.gc.ca), or Dave Roeske (613-951-0572; dave.roeske@statcan.gc.ca), Agriculture Division.