Crop production hit by dry weather in the east, wet weather in the west
Despite gloomy news for other crops, wheat production is on track for a 10.5% increase from last year
Rain in the Prairies and dry weather in the east is expected to hurt crop production overall this year — but the wheat harvest may exceed 30 million tonnes for the second time in 25 years, Statistics Canada forecasts after surveying farmers in July.
The agency says production of corn for grain is expected to drop almost nine per cent from last year to 12.3 million tonnes as Ontario, the largest producer in the country, has been hit by drought in many areas.
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Ontario also leads the way in soybean production, but due to lower yields and a smaller planted crop, overall production is expected to be down by 6.5 per cent this year.
On the Prairies, farmers made big bets on lentils this year due to strong prices, with a nearly 37 per cent increase in harvested area leading to what should be a record crop of 3.2 million tonnes.
But significant rainfall in Saskatchewan in July contributed to a 4.2 per cent drop in yields, and with rain continuing into August, Statistics Canada says yields could drop further.
Wheat production, which is somewhat less susceptible to moisture than lentils, is on track for a 10.5 per cent increase from last year despite fewer hectares planted.
Total wheat production is expected to reach about 30.5 million tonnes in 2016, only the second time to surpass 30 million tonnes in 25 years along with 2013's bumper crop.
Statistics Canada says wheat production is expected to come in at over 30 million tonnes for only the second time in 25 years, as yields increased 14.3 per cent.
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