Canada Markets

Statistics Canada reported in The Daily on April 26 that oilseed processors crushed 961,355 metric tons (mt) of canola in March. Oil production totaled 410,916 mt, while meal production totaled 554,201 mt.

In the Daily Ag Transportation Coalition report for April 26, it was noted that West coast unloads of 440 were down more than 50% from the prior day, reflecting lower unloads at both Western ports. In Port of Thunder Bay, unloads of 206 declining 45% from the prior day and far lower than might be expected, given the available cars on site Thursday morning.

Weekly grain statistics from the Canadian Grain Commission reported total exports of grain for all ports, for the week ending April 21. For No. 1 and No. 2 CW RS (red spring wheat), 415,500 mt putting year-to-date at 15.088 million metric tons (mmt), up 6% from 14.232 mmt a year ago. For No. 2 and No. 3 CW AD (amber durum) 95,900 mt puts YTD at 2.319 mmt, down 36% from 3.601 mmt a year ago and for canola, 180.6 mt puts YTD at 4.400 mmt, down 31% from 6.361 mmt a year ago.

In its first crop report of the growing year, Ontario Field Crop Report noted winter canola survival has generally been good, but some winter survival issues are reported in Eastern Ontario. Stands are still being assessed in that area. Winter canola is flowering in the far southwest of the province this week. With warmer conditions forecast, flowering is expected to progress across other parts of the province.

As for field conditions, the report said "Light rains and cool temperatures this past weekend and early this week slowed field drying and limited opportunities for early planting of field crops. While it is generally too wet for field work, conditions are variable depending on rainfall received. The remainder of this week was mostly sunny, but expectations are tempered by widespread rain forecast for the coming weekend and early next week for most of the province."

Ontario Field Crop Report noted that spring cereal planting has been spotty in most areas due to wet conditions. Some areas estimate only one-third of intended acres are planted. With increasing temperatures, planting will resume.

USDA FAS CANADA GRAIN AND FEED ANNUAL

On April 24, USDA released the Canada Grain and Feed Annual report. In marketing year 2024-25, Canada's total production of principal grains (wheat, durum, oats, barley, corn) is forecast to increase by 4.9% to 61.4 mmt over the previous year on an additional 1.7 mmt of wheat production, according to the report. In marketing year 2023-24, FAS/Ottawa is forecasting a 55% increase in corn imports over the previous year, on strong demand for animal feed due to the impacts of drought in the Canadian Prairies. "Though high, forecasted imports are just over half of the level imported during the drought that occurred in (marketing year 2021-22). Food manufacturers, as of March, are paying the lowest price for wheat since April 2021, owing to a steady price decline that began in 2022. In contrast, consumers are paying 23% more for flour than they were in April 2021," noted the USDA.

Here is a link to the entire report: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/…

Mary Kennedy can be reached at Mary.Kennedy@dtn.com

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