Wicked weather hits crop production

CALGARY — Statistics Canada said dry weather in Eastern Canada and rain on the Prairies are expected to hurt crop production this year, after surveying farmers.

The agency said production of corn for grain is expected to drop almost nine per cent from last year to 12.3 million tonnes as Ontario, the largest producer in the country, has been hit by drought in many areas.

Ontario also leads the way in soybean production, but due to lower yields and a smaller planted crop, overall production is expected to be down by 6.5 per cent this year.

On the Prairies, farmers made big bets on lentils this year due to strong prices, with a nearly 37 per cent increase in harvested area, leading to what should be a record crop of 3.2 million tonnes.

But significant rainfall in Saskatchewan in July contributed to a 4.2 per cent drop in yields, and with rain continuing into August, Statistics Canada says yields could drop further.

Wheat production, which is somewhat less susceptible to moisture than lentils, is on track for a 10.5 per cent increase from last year despite fewer hectares planted.

Statistics Canada says wheat production is expected to come in at more than 30 million tonnes for only the second time in 25 years, as yields increased 14.3 per cent.