Higher Than Expected Special Crop Numbers

VANCOUVER - Aug 26/05 - SNS -- The first official estimate of Canadian specialty crop production is not sitting well with several members of the industry, who wanted to see Statistics Canada release smaller numbers to better reflect doubts about yields that have emerged since the beginning of August.

While this year's field pea harvest is expected to be down 3.3% from last year, selected provincial estimates for other specialty crops point to a record lentil harvest and larger than expected chickpea crop. At the same time, Statistics Canada's numbers suggest this year will see considerable reductions in Canadian dry edible bean output; but a bigger than expected canaryseed harvest.

Significant variability in early yield reports has contributed to the view initial provincial forecasts as overly optimistic. While some processors and exporters are reporting lush crops, those who mostly draw product from more impoverished areas tend to believe most published estimates are inflated.

Statistics Canada's estimates are based on a survey of 17,600 farmers between July 20 and August 5. Little harvest activity was underway by the time of the survey, with the result yield estimates are based on farmers' impressions of standing crops.

Commenting on the agronomic situation, Statistics Canada said, "In the West, soil moisture levels during the survey period were generally good, with the exception of southern Manitoba, where severe flooding prohibited completion of seeding in some areas and drowned out entire fields of young plants in others.

"In Saskatchewan and Alberta, farmers reported strong and in some cases record production estimates. Prairie farmers nervously await the harvest, hoping that conditions will remain favorable until then."

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