Above Average Canadian Grain Stocks

OTTAWA - Feb 1/06 - SNS -- Grain and oilseed stocks in commercial hands and on farms in Canada at the end of December were well above the previous 10-year averages, notes Statististics Canada in releasing the latest inventory numbers.

In the West, stocks of durum and canola rose to record volumes, the result of strong production in 2005, while stocks of oats and barley declined as production dropped. Field pea stocks were little changed, reflected decreased domestic use. Total on-farm stocks of grain corn in Ontario and Quebec rose to record levels.

In releasing the data, Statistics Canada noted the on farm numbers were based on telephone and internet surveys of 12,500 farm operators between December 21, 2005 to January 10, 2006. Farmers were asked to report the amounts of grain, oilseeds and special crops in on-farm storage.

Commercial stocks of western grains originate mainly from the Canadian Grain Commission. Commercial stocks of special crops originate from a survey of handlers and agents of special crops. Commercial stocks of corn and soybeans are estimated by a Statistics Canada sample survey of country elevators and industrial users in Eastern Canada.

      Canada Grain Stocks Summary December 31
                (000 metric tons)
                     Crop 2004       2005    % Change
All wheat               20,881     24,138      15.6
Wheat excluding durum   16,032     17,746      10.7
Barley                   9,895      9,660      -2.4
Grain corn               7,817      8,516       8.9
Canola                   5,297      7,546      42.5
Durum wheat              4,849      6,392      31.8
Oats                     2,630      2,493      -5.2
Soybeans                 2,112      2,288       8.3
Dry field peas           2,125      2,145       0.9
Flax                       332        766     130.7

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