June 21, 2010
Farmers optimistic about grain production in Northern Alberta, Canada
Northern Alberta wheat producers are optimistic that this year's crop will be good, despite the difficulties being experienced by farmers to the east and south.
Unusually high levels of spring rainfall in southern Alberta, Manitoba and most of Saskatchewan have resulted in the lowest number of seeded wheat crops in 40 years.
Henry Vos, director of the northern Alberta district of the Canadian Wheat Board, said the soggy conditions may drive up wheat prices and benefit northern Alberta farmers. "We've seen substantial increase in oat prices, we've seen a significant increase in canola prices, and some increase in wheat prices, and those changes in prices have been related to concerns about weather in western Canada," he said.
Vos said Alberta farmers will benefit at the expense of farmers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. "We're seeing prices rise in the markets because of the condition of the crop throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba," he said.
"They're looking at decreased production, so prices are going up. So obviously farmers that do get a crop this year will have the benefit of improved prices if those conditions continue on," he said.
