| | Agri-Food Statistics Update - Issue No. CR09-4 - December 11, 2009
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.
Note to Users: The contents of this document may not be used or reproduced without properly accrediting Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Economics and Competitiveness Division, Statistics and Data Development Branch. |
November Estimate of Production of Principal Field Crops, Alberta, 2009
On December 3, 2009, Statistics Canada released its report entitled “November Estimate of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, 2009”. The estimates for Alberta contained in the report were generated from a Statistics Canada survey of 8,668 farms in the province, which was conducted during the period from October 23 to November 9, 2009. The Statistics and Data Development Branch of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development reviewed the survey results and provided input before the estimates were released by Statistics Canada.
The November estimate pegs the total 2009 production of principal field crops in Alberta at 22.57 million tonnes, down 25 percent from the record set last year, and six percent below the 10-year average. Due to unfavourable crop growing conditions, provincial average yields for most major crops are down significantly from last year, but are still relatively similar to 10-year averages. Also, contributing to the lower production is a smaller harvested area, as some crops have been harvested for forage production to compensate for the lower tame hay production this year. Additionally, some poor crops have been used for grazing.
The November estimate is considered to be more accurate than the previously released September estimate, since the November survey was conducted during the latter part of the crop season. As well, the sample size for the November survey was much larger, compared to the September survey. The November estimate is the third and final production estimate for 2009 field crops.
Production of Major Crops Declines in Alberta
On December 3, 2009, Statistics Canada released its report entitled “November Estimate of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, 2009”. Based on the report, total production of principal field crops in Alberta in 2009 is estimated at 22.57 million tonnes, down 25 percent from the record set last year, and six percent below the 10-year average (see Table 1). The lower production stems from reduced yields and smaller harvested acreage for most principal field crops, mainly as a result of unfavorable growing conditions. Provincial average yields for most major crops are down significantly from 2008, but remain relatively similar to their 10-year averages (see Table 2). Total seeded area for principal field crops in the province was virtually unchanged from 2008, while harvested area fell about ten percent, largely due to crops being salvaged for forage production and used for grazing.
Production by Crop Type, Alberta
In 2009, total production of spring wheat in Alberta is estimated at 6.18 million tonnes, down 15 percent from 2008 (but is still seven percent above the 10-year average). The lower production is mainly due to reduced yield, as harvested area is just slightly smaller. The provincial average yield is estimated at 41.1 bushels per acre, down 13 percent from 2008, while total harvested area declined two percent, to 5.53 million acres.
For durum wheat, production fell eight percent to 993,400 tonnes, but is still 17 percent above the 10-year average. The provincial average yield is estimated at 40.6 bushels per acre, down six percent from last year, while harvested area declined two percent, to 900,000 acres. Total production of winter wheat declined 31 percent, to 266,700 tonnes, mainly due to reduced yield. Overall, total production of all wheat declined 15 percent from 2008, to 7.44 million tonnes.
Total barley production in Alberta is estimated at 3.84 million tonnes, down 29 percent from 2008, and 21 percent below the 10-year average. This is attributed to reduced yield and smaller harvested area. The provincial average yield for barley is estimated at 58.2 bushels per acre, or 13 percent lower than in 2008, while harvested area fell 19 percent, from a year ago.
Total production of oats is estimated at 308,400 tonnes, down 43 percent from last year, and 54 percent below the 10-year average. The lower production is mainly due to a 40 percent reduction in harvested acreage, as more than one half of the crop has been harvested for forage production. The provincial average yield is estimated at 66.7 bushels per acre, down five percent from last year.
For canola, total production in the province declined 27 percent from 2008, to 3.16 million tonnes, but is still 14 percent higher than the 10-year average. Total harvested area was down 13 percent to 4.52 million acres. With respect to yield, the provincial average is estimated at 30.8 bushels per acre, or 17 percent lower than in 2008, but in line with the 10-year average.
Total production of dry peas in Alberta is estimated at 666,700 tonnes. While it is nine percent lower than 2008, it is still 22 percent higher than the 10-year average. For tame hay, production in the province is 5.35 million tonnes, or 43 percent lower than in 2008, and 23 percent below the 10-year average.
Shown in Figure 1 is a comparison of Alberta and Canadian production for selected principal field crops in 2009. By crop type, estimated Canadian production in 2009 are 18.12 million tonnes for spring wheat, 5.40 million tonnes for durum, 2.80 million tonnes for oats, 9.52 million tonnes for barley, 11.83 million tonnes for canola, and 3.38 million tonnes for dry peas.
For a complete copy of the update, please download the .pdf.
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