| | Agri-Food Statistics Update - Issue No. CR10-4 - December 9, 2010
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, 2010
On December 3, 2010, Statistics Canada released its report entitled “November Estimates of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, 2010”. The Alberta estimates were generated from a Statistics Canada survey of 8,659 farms in the province, during the period from October 25 to November 9, 2010.
Based on the Statistics Canada report, total 2010 production of principal field crops in Alberta was estimated at 29.5 million tonnes. This was 29 per cent higher than last year, and 23 per cent above the 10-year average (2000-2009), as a result of higher yields and an increase in harvested acreage.
In general, crop growing conditions in the province this year were mainly favourable. The exception was the Peace Region, where dry conditions persisted through much of the crop season. As well, there were some crops lost due to flooding, mainly in the Southern Region.
In general, estimated provincial average yields were higher than in 2009, and their 10-year averages. Regarding crop quality, grade estimates were below average, mainly as a result of cool, damp conditions in the fall.
Just to note, the November estimates are considered to be more accurate than the previously released September estimates, 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 estimates are the third and final production estimates for the year.
Total 2010 Crop Production Increased in Alberta
On December 3, 2010, Statistics Canada released its report entitled “November Estimates of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, 2010”. Based on the report, total 2010 production of principal field crops in Alberta was estimated at 29.5 million tonnes, 29 per cent higher than last year, and 23 per cent above the 10-year average (see Table 1). This was due to a combination of higher yields and an increase in harvested area. Despite some adverse weather factors, crop growing conditions were mainly favorable in most areas of the province. In general, estimated provincial average yields were higher than in 2009, and their respective 10-year averages (see Table 2). Regarding crop quality, grade estimates were below average, mainly as a result of cool, damp conditions in the fall. Total seeded area of principal field crops in the province was relatively unchanged from 2009, while harvested acreage increased by nearly seven per cent. It is also worth noting that, total summerfallow area was estimated at 1.7 million acres, an increase of three per cent over 2009.
Production by Crop Type, Alberta
Total production of spring wheat increased 21 per cent, to 7.5 million tonnes. This stemmed from higher yields, and to a lesser extent, an increase in harvested area. The provincial average yield was estimated at 46.7 bushels per acre, up 14 per cent from 2009, while harvested area increased seven per cent, to 5.9 million acres. For durum wheat, production declined 58 per cent, to 421,800 tonnes, as a result of a marked reduction (61 per cent) in harvested area. Regarding yields, the provincial average was estimated at 44.3 bushels per acre, up nine per cent from 2009. Overall, total production of all wheat reached 8.2 million tonnes, an increase of ten per cent over 2009.
In 2010, total barley production rose 18 per cent, to 4.5 million tonnes. The provincial average yield for barley was 66.6 bushels per acre, or 14 per cent higher than in 2009, while harvested area increased three per cent. For oats, total production more than doubled from last year and reached 647,700 tonnes. This was due to higher yields and an increase in harvested acreage. The provincial average yield was estimated at 79.2 bushels per acre, or 19 per cent higher than in 2009, while the harvested area was up 77 per cent.
Total canola production increased 29 per cent from 2009, to a record 4.5 million tonnes. This was attributed to a combination of higher yields and a larger harvested area. In 2010, seeded and harvested acreage was estimated to be 5.5 million acres and 5.4 million acres, respectively (both record highs). Regarding yields, the provincial average was estimated at 36.7 bushels per acre, or 18 per cent above 2009.
In 2010, total production of dry peas increased 41 per cent, to a record 937,600 tonnes. This stemmed from higher yields and a record harvested area. The provincial average yield was estimated at 38.5 bushels per acre, or 18 per cent higher than in 2009, while harvested area increased by 19 per cent.
2010 Crop Production, Canada
Based on the November estimates, total 2010 Canadian production was 17.5 million tonnes for spring wheat, 3.0 million tonnes for durum, 7.6 million tonnes for barley, 2.3 million tonnes for oats, 11.9 million tonnes for canola, and 2.9 million tonnes for dry peas (see Figure 1).
For a complete copy of the update, please download the .pdf.
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