| | 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.
This update presents an analysis of the Alberta crop production estimates from the Statistics Canada report released on December 6, 2011, entitled "November Estimates of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, 2011". The Alberta estimates were generated from a Statistics Canada survey of 9,715 farms in the province, during the period from October 24 to November 8, 2011.
Just to note, the November estimates are the third and final production estimates for the year. These are considered more accurate than the two previously released July 31 and September estimates, as the November survey was conducted during the latter part of the crop season. As well, the sample size for the November survey is much larger.
Please visit the following website for a complete listing of Agri-Food Statistics Update releases:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd5270
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 Estimates of Production of Principal Field Crops, Alberat, 2011
On December 6, 2011, Statistics Canada released it’s report entitled "November Estimates of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, 2011".
Key Messages
- Alberta’s total 2011 production of principal field crops in Alberta was estimated at 31.5 million tonnes, a six per cent increase over last year, and 28 per cent above the 10-year average (2001-2010).
- The higher production stems from an increase in harvested acres, along with relatively strong yields for crops.
- In 2011, canola production set a new record, increasing by 12 per cent over 2010, as both harvested area and yield reached record highs.
- Compared to their 10-year averages, production was up for spring wheat (35 per cent), canola (72 per cent), oats (six per cent), and dry peas (29 per cent)...but down for durum (25 per cent), and barley (three per cent).
- In general, crop growing conditions in the province this year were favourable. Provincial average yields were above their respective 10-year averages, with normal to above average crop quality.
Total 2011 Crop Production Increased in Alberta
On December 6, 2011, Statistics Canada released its third and final report of the year, entitled "November Estimates of Production of Principal Field Crops, Canada, 2011". The report pegs total 2011 production of principal field crops in Alberta at an estimated 31.5 million tonnes, six per cent higher than last year, and 28 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 for several crops. Crop growing conditions were mainly favorable in most areas of the province. Provincial average yields were above their respective 10-year averages (see Table 2), with normal to above average crop quality. Total seeded area of principal field crops in the province was relatively unchanged from 2010, while harvested acreage increased over five per cent.
Production by Crop Type, Alberta
In 2011, total production of spring wheat increased seven per cent, to 8.0 million tonnes. This stemmed from higher yields, and to a lesser extent, an increase in harvested area. The provincial average yield was estimated at 49.6 bushels per acre, up six per cent from 2010, while harvested area increased one per cent, to six million acres. For durum wheat, production increased 47 per cent, to 620,500 tonnes, due to a marked increase (51 per cent) in harvested area. The provincial average yield was estimated at 43.0 bushels per acre, down three per cent from 2010. Overall, total production of all wheat reached 8.9 million tonnes, up nine per cent over 2010.
Total barley production rose one per cent, to 4.6 million tonnes. The provincial average yield was 67.0 bushels per acre, one per cent higher than in 2010, while harvested area remained relatively flat. Total oat production increased two per cent to 663,200 tonnes, supported by higher yields estimated at 81.9 bushels per acre, or three per cent higher than in 2010.
Total canola production increased 12 per cent from 2010, to a record 5.3 million tonnes, and can be attributed to higher yields and a larger harvested area. The harvested acreage in 2011 reached a record 6.0 million acres. The provincial average yield was estimated at 39.0 bushels per acre, or three per cent above 2010.
In 2011, total dry peas production is expected to decline 22 per cent, to 764,800 tonnes, driven by a lower harvested area and slightly lower yields. The provincial average yield was 38.8 bushels per acre, down one per cent from 2010, but still well above the 10-year average.
2011 Crop Production, Canada
Total Canadian production in 2011 was 18.0 million tonnes for spring wheat, 4.2 million tonnes for durum, 7.8 million tonnes for barley, 3.0 million tonnes for oats, 14.2 million tonnes for canola, and 2.1 million tonnes for dry peas (see Figure 1).
For a complete copy of this update, download the attached .pdf file. |
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