Canadian Seeded Area Astonishes Markets

VANCOUVER - Jun 26/07 - SNS -- Statistics Canada's 2007 seeded area estimates for Canadian specialty crops will likely go down as the most surprising report issued by the statistical agency in recent memory.

Total specialty crop seedings is up slightly from the March seeding intentions, advancing from around 6.88 million acres to nearly 6.92 million acres, while last year's specialty crop seeded area was revised lower from 6.59 million acres to just 6.08 million on steep cuts to the 2006 lentil and field pea area. Last year's chickpea, canaryseed and sunflower areas were increased; while mustard seed declined.

Last year's seeded area reductions were matched by a drop in total specialty crop production levels for 2006. Total specialty crop output sank 355,800 metric tons (MT) to just under 4.12 million. Not surprisingly, the biggest declines were in lentil and field pea production levels. Chickpea and mustard seed production levels were also reduced, while edible beans, canaryseed and sunflower were slightly higher.

The changes in last year's seeded area and production numbers reflect data collected during the 2006 Census of Agriculture. "(E)stimates of field crop area and production contained in the Field Crop Reporting Series have been revised, where necessary, to align with those from the Census," Statistics Canada explained in releasing its latest numbers.

Commenting on this year's seed area estimates, Statistics Canada said, "Prairie farmers planted several record areas of field crops and an increased area of feed grains. Farmers in Ontario and Quebec, meanwhile, planted more corn for grain.

"By the end of the survey period (May 25 to June 5), farmers reported that planting was nearly complete for 2007. Manitoba farmers reported slightly over 90% of fields seeded, while in Saskatchewan and Alberta the planted area was approximately 85% complete.

"Soil moisture conditions across the Prairie provinces were rated as adequate to good. Excess moisture can be found in northern and eastern Manitoba, eastern and north-eastern Saskatchewan, and the north-west, west-central and Peace River regions of Alberta. In unplanted areas, farmers may make some last minute changes by switching to shorter season varieties or crops, with cool wet weather dragging out the end of the planting season. In some regions, there will be fields that remain unplanted."

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