September Estimate of Production of Principal Field Crops, Alberta, 2015

Collected from a variety of sources, the Statistics and Data Development Branch monitors statistical indicators of agri-food activity for Alberta. The Agri-Food Statistics Update is designed to provide users with commentary on current issues, trends and new developments related to agriculture and the food and beverage processing industries. Up-to-date statistics are supplemented with informative charts and diagrams. To gauge Alberta’s performance, comparative data and information are often available for Canada and the provinces.

September 2015 Estimate of Production of Principal Field Crops, Alberta

Key Messages

• The 2015 crop season in Alberta started with a dry spring followed by a hot summer with limited moisture which had an adverse impact on crop growth. However, as harvest has progressed across the province, it appears that yields could be higher than what was expected earlier in the summer.
• In 2015, total production of selected principal field crops in Alberta is anticipated at 19.4 million tonnes, down 16.9 per cent from a year ago, and 7.9 per cent below the 10-year average (2005-2014). The lower production stems mainly from reduced yields for major crops.
• Spring wheat production in Alberta is expected to decrease by 20.3 per cent to 6.7 million tonnes, due to anticipated lower yields and fewer harvested area.
• Barley production is estimated at 3.9 million tonnes, down 6.3 per cent, as yields are expected to decrease by 10.3 per cent.
• Canola production in the province is estimated to go down 24.9 per cent to 4.4 million tonnes, which is 4.5 per cent below the 10-year average.
• Dry peas production is expected to decrease 11.1 per cent to 1.3 million tonnes, but still 47.6 per cent above the 10-year average. The production decline is driven by lower yields.