StatsCan Cuts Pea and Lentil Estimates

VANCOUVER - Oct 5/06 - SNS -- Canadian specialty crop yields deteriorated as the harvest progressed, resulting in a drop in the estimated size of this year's harvest, according to the latest survey data available from Statistics Canada.

Based on a telephone survey of 17,100 producers across the country between September 5 and 12, Statistics Canada reduced its production estimates for lentils, field peas, chickpeas and canaryseed; but increased estimated production levels for dry edible beans, sunflower and mustard seed, for a net decline production of all specialty crops.

Saskatchewan is the most important specialty crop producing region in Canada and Statistics Canada's yield forecasts for crops in that province should be close to the final number for pulses. As of September 3, Saskatchewan's lentil harvest was 93% complete; peas 94%; chickpeas 63%; mustard 74%; and canaryseed 25%.

Confirming the situation, Statistics Canada noted, "Above-average temperatures and dry conditions combined to stress western crops, but also allowed for quicker crop maturity and an early harvest. Many areas reported having most of their crop harvested at the time of the survey."

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