Features Agronomy Cereals
Stocks of principal field crops

Feb. 4, 2014, Canada – Results from Statistics Canada's December Farm Survey indicate as of Dec. 31, 2013, overall stocks of principal field crops were up nearly 30 per cent from the same date in 2012. Increased crop production in 2013, especially on the Prairies, resulted in the overall growth in stocks. On-farm stocks grew significantly, while commercial stocks were down. For canola and corn for grain, total stocks reached record levels as of Dec. 31.

Total stocks of wheat rose 37.7 per cent from Dec. 31, 2012 to 28.4 million tonnes, as a result of a 38 per cent annual increase in wheat production in 2013. On-farm stocks reached a record high of 25 million tonnes, up 52.2 per cent from the same date in 2012. Commercial stocks of wheat fell 19.2 per cent to 3.4 million tonnes over the same time period.

Canola stocks stood at 12.6 million tonnes as of Dec. 31, up 55.3 per cent from the same date one year earlier. On-farm stock levels increased 65.7 per cent from the same date a year earlier to 11.7 million tonnes, while commercial stock levels declined 14.6 per cent over the same period. Canola production rose 29.5 per cent from Dec. 31, 2012, to 18 million tonnes.

Total stocks of corn for grain rose 10.8 per cent from Dec. 31, 2012, to 11.5 million tonnes. Corn for grain saw record levels of on-farm stocks, while commercial stocks were down 6.5 per cent from the same date in 2012.

Total stocks of oats rose 39.7 per cent from Dec. 31, 2012, to 2.9 million tonnes, with on-farm stocks rising 45.2 per cent and commercial stocks falling 9.7 per cent. Total stocks of barley were up 27.2 per cent to 6.7 million tonnes, mostly as a result of a 30 per cent increase in on-farm stocks. These overall gains in oat and barley stocks reflected strong production increases in 2013.

Total stocks of soybeans rose 2.4 per cent to 2.7 million tonnes as of Dec. 31. Stock levels held on farms rose 21.6 per cent to 1.9 million tonnes, while commercial stocks fell 25 per cent from 2012 to 800,000 tonnes.

February 4, 2014  By Top Crop Manager