May 18, 2012

Canada seeded area forecast at a record high

The 2012/13 rapeseed acreage of Canada is seen at 8.05 million hectares, up 580,000 hectares or 8% from the previous year, according to the USDA forecast.

Statistics Canada's 2012 March Intentions of Principal Field Crop estimates that farmers will expand planted area by 8% from last year due to favourable prices.

In Saskatchewan, which produces 50% of total production, area is likely to expand by nearly 10% from last year.

In Manitoba, which accounts for 25% of total production, area is expected to rebound from last year where floods reduced planted area.

Production is forecast at 15.4 million tonnes, up 1.2 million or 9% from last year. Yield is forecast at 1.91 tonnes per hectare up slightly from a year ago.

As of the first week of May, seeding is underway across the western prairies. Localised reports indicate a surplus of moisture in some areas that delayed seeding, but planting conditions in most areas are reported as good to excellent.