Production of principal field crops

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Total wheat and canola production in the Prairie provinces is expected to decline in 2010 compared with 2009. In contrast, farmers in Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario reported they expect to harvest a record soybean crop.

Farmers reported that cool and wet conditions delayed seeding in some parts of the Prairies, while wet weather in September was reported to be delaying the harvesting of crops. Since the survey was taken, widespread frost has been reported on the Prairies and the resulting effects on final yield and production will be reflected in the November survey.

Prairie total wheat production down

Farmers expect total wheat production on the Prairies to fall 18.5% from 2009 to 20.0 million metric tonnes. Reported average yield was 38.9 bushels per acre, down 3.0% from 2009.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan farmers expect their production to drop sharply by 25.8% and 28.3% respectively, while Alberta farmers foresee an increase of 2.6%, the result of a reported rise in yield.

Canola production should fall

Prairie farmers reported that canola production is expected to fall 16.3% from 2009 to 10.3 million metric tonnes, as a result of a decline in expected yield.

Decreases in production are expected in Manitoba (-32.2%) and Saskatchewan (-27.2%). In contrast, Alberta farmers expect to harvest the second largest crop in Alberta history at 4.0 million metric tonnes, mainly the result of a record harvested area of 5.4 million acres.

Possible record soybean production in Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario

Farmers in Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario reported that soybean production increased to new highs, the result of record harvested areas in each province. Total production for these three provinces has risen steadily since 2007.

Soybean production in Quebec is expected to reach 750 000 metric tonnes, 25% above the previous record of 600 000 metric tonnes set in 2008. Ontario soybean production is expected to rise 8.1% from 2009 to 2.8 million metric tonnes, the highest production estimate since 2006. In Manitoba, production could rise to 400 100 metric tonnes, 24.6% above production in 2009.

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: "September Estimates of Production of Principal Field Crops," Vol. 89, no. 7 (22-002-X, free), is now available from the Key resource module of our website under Publications.

For more 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), Yves Gilbert (613-951-2577; yves.gilbert@statcan.gc.ca), Dave Roeske (613-951-0572; dave.roeske@statcan.gc.ca), Faye Price (204-983-2856; faye.price@statcan.gc.ca) or Sheila Young (613-951-8707; sheila.young@statcan.gc.ca), Agriculture Division.