February 17, 2012

Canada's 2012/13 grain, oilseed production down

Canada's 2012-13 production of major grains and oilseeds will be slightly lower than what was forecasted last month but will be higher as compared to the 2011-12 season, according to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's market analysis division.

Production of the eight major grains and oilseeds in 2012/13 is now projected at 70.120 million tonnes. This was down from the 70.320 million tonnes forecast in January and compares with the 2011/12 level of 65.856 million.

The eight major grains and oilseeds are rapeseed, flaxseed, soy, wheat, oats, barley, corn and rye.

Ending stocks of the eight major grains and oilseeds in 2012/13 were pegged at 11.705 million tonnes. The projection was down from the month-ago estimate of 13.285 million tonnes, but above the 2011/12 forecast of 10.685 million.

Total exports of the eight major grains and oilseeds in the 2012/13 crop year were projected at 33.268 million tonnes. This would be a small increase from the January forecast of 33.043 million tonnes and compares with the 2011/12 estimate of 32.843 million.

Total domestic usage of the various grains and oilseeds for the 2012/13 crop year was estimated at 37.665 million tonnes, which was down fractionally from the 37.695 million projected in January. In 2011/12 domestic usage has been forecast at 37.089 million tonnes.

February estimates for Canadian 2012/13 and 2011/12 grain and oilseed supply and demand. Domestic usage numbers include food and industrial use as well as feed, waste, and dockage.