Based on recent estimations utilizing satellite imagery and agroclimatic data, Canadian farmers are expected to witness decreased yields in wheat, canola, barley, and oats for the year 2023. The national statistical agency revealed that these declines in crop production primarily stem from lower yields due to dry conditions in western Canada, spanning much of the Prairies.
Projections indicate that wheat production is poised to decline by 14.2 percent in comparison to the previous year, resulting in an estimated 29.5 million tonnes for 2023. Yields are predicted to decrease by 18.6 percent to 41.2 bushels per acre, which offsets the anticipated 5.6 percent rise in the harvested area, projected to reach 26.3 million acres.
The canola sector is also expected to experience a decrease of 6.1 percent, leading to a total production of 17.6 million tonnes in 2023. Yields for canola are forecasted to fall by 8.8 percent to 35.4 bushels per acre, while the harvested area is predicted to expand by 3 percent, reaching 21.9 million acres.
Barley production is projected to witness a significant drop of 20.7 percent, resulting in an estimated 7.9 million tonnes for 2023. Similarly, oat production is anticipated to plummet by 53.5 percent, marking a production low in over a decade, with a total of 2.4 million tonnes.
In contrast, corn for grain production is expected to experience a minor increase of 1.3 percent, projecting a total of 14.7 million tonnes in 2023. Furthermore, soybean production is poised to rise by 2.9 percent, reaching a total of 6.7 million tonnes due to expanded harvested areas, as outlined by the agency.
Since 2016, Statistics Canada has been utilizing satellite technology and agroclimatic data to estimate preliminary crop yields and production.
