October 6, 2010
 

Canadian wheat output down 2% from July

Production of all wheat in Canada was estimated to be down 2% from the July forecast and down 17% from 2009, according to Statistics Canada.

Rapeseed outturn was also expected to be down 4% from July and down 16% from last year, Statistics Canada said on October 4.

Based on data collected from September 1-9, Statistics Canada lowered production estimates of all wheat and rapeseed but raised estimates for corn and soy from its previous forecasts based on data collected in July and released in August.

"Farmer comments reported that cool and wet conditions delayed seeding in some parts of the Prairies and wet weather in September was reported to be delaying the harvesting of crops," Statistics Canada said. "Since the survey was taken, widespread frost has been reported on the Prairies and the resultant effects on final yield and production will be reflected on the November survey," they said.

Total Canadian wheat production was estimated at 22.2 million tonnes, down 2% from 22.7 million tonnes forecast previously, and down 17% from a revised 26.8 million tonnes in 2009, Statistics Canada said.

Statistics Canada forecasted 2010 rapeseed production at 10.4 million tonnes, down 4% from 10.9 million tonnes forecast earlier, and down 16% from an upwardly revised 12.4 million tonnes in 2009.

Corn production was forecast at 10.9 million tonnes, up slightly from 10.8 million tonnes in July, and up 14% from 9.6 million tonnes in 2009.

Soy outturn was estimated at 4.03 million tonnes, up 2% from 3.95 million tonnes in July and up 15% from 3.51 million tonnes last year.