Alberta Agriculture Statistics Yearbook, 2012
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With respect to tame hay, production was down from 2011 due to a smaller harvested area. The dry and hot weather helped
with progress of first cut haying operations, with quality rated as good to excellent. The second cut had some rain and
quality was also rated as good to excellent.
Alberta Crop Production
Based on Statistics Canada’s report entitled "Production of Principal Field Crops, November 2012", total 2012 production of
principal field crops in Alberta was estimated at 28.7 million tonnes. This was 6.9 per cent lower than in 2011, and 11.9 per
cent above the 10-year average for 2002-2011. The decrease in production was largely due to lower yields compared to
2011.
Even so, the provincial average yields were still mostly above their respective 10-year averages. Crop growing
conditions in the province during 2012 were mainly favourable. Seeding was later than normal given a wet cool May, but the
reminder of the season was hot and dry. These conditions provided producers with the opportunity to make good harvest
progress, and a crop of average quality. However, there was some crop damage due to adverse weather and crop diseases.
Total seeded area of principal field crops in the province declined less than one-half per cent from 2011, while harvested
area increased by slightly over one per cent.
With respect to specific crops, total production of spring wheat declined 6.6 per cent, to 7.4 million tonnes in 2012, but still
was 19.3 per cent above the 10-year average. The lower production was due to a decline in seeded and harvested areas
and reduced yields. The provincial average yield was estimated at 47.6 bushels per acre, down 3.8 per cent from 2011,
while harvested area dropped 2.9 per cent, to 5.7 million acres. For durum wheat, production increased 18.0 per cent, to
732,100
tonnes due to increases in seeded and harvested areas and yields. The provincial average yield was estimated at
46.4
bushels per acre, up 7.9 per cent from 2011. Overall, total production of all wheat reached 8.4 million tonnes, a drop of
5.3
per cent from 2011, but still 15.1 per cent above the 10-year average.
In 2012, total barley production was 4.5 million tonnes, down 4.4 cent from 2011 due to lower yields. The provincial average
yield was 60.3 bushels per acre, 10.0 per cent lower than in 2011. Seeded and harvested areas were up 4.4 and 6.3 per
cent, respectively.
Total canola production fell 8.4 per cent to 4.9 million tonnes, but was 40.4 per cent above the 10-year average. The lower
production was attributed to reduced yields, down 14.9 per cent to 33.6 bushels per acre, but still above the 10-year
average. For 2012, seeded and harvested acreage was estimated at 6.5 million acres and 6.4 million acres, respectively
(
both record highs).
Total production of dry peas increased 28.7 per cent, to a record 1.0 million tonnes, due to substantial increases in seeded
and harvested areas. The provincial average yield was estimated at 40.7 bushels per acre, 4.5 per cent lower than in 2011,
but still above the 10-year average.
Total oats production was estimated to be 518,200 tonnes, a decrease of 29.8 per cent from 2011. This was attributed to a
substantial reduction in seeded and harvested area, as well as lower yields. The provincial average yield was 80.0 bushels
per acre, down 2.3 per cent, but still well above the 10-year average.
Alberta Forage Production
Total tame hay production in Alberta in 2012 was estimated at 7.7 million tonnes, based on the Statistics Canada report
“
Production of Principal Field Crops, November, 2012”. This was down 2.9 per cent from 2011, and 6.0 per cent above the
10-
year average. The lower production was a result of a decrease in seeded and harvested area.
From a survey conducted by the Statistics and Data Development Branch of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development,
total greenfeed production in the province declined 39.1 per cent from 2011, to 793,000 tonnes. The lower production was
attributed to a marked decline in harvested area and lower yields. Total silage production was estimated at 2.5 million
tonnes, down 36.1 per cent from 2011, due to a lower yields and harvested area.
Total area harvested for greenfeed declined 25.5 per cent from 2011, to 307,000 acres, while silage acreage decreased
30.4
per cent, to 400,000 acres. The mainly hot and dry crop growing conditions in 2012 contributed to lower greenfeed
yields than in 2011. Barley and oats were the major crops harvested for greenfeed and silage production, although
significant acreages of mixed grains, and some spring wheat and triticale were also taken off as forages.
Crop Prices and Marketings
Local and international market prices for some of the major grains and oilseeds in 2012 were up from 2011. In Alberta, the
average price of all wheat increased 15.9 per cent to $6.94 per bushel, while the average price for barley was estimated at
$5.23 per bushel, up 25.1 per cent from a year earlier. For canola, the average price was estimated at $12.93 per bushel,
7.6
per cent higher than in 2011. Prices for oats and flaxseed dropped by 6.1 per cent and one per cent, respectively, from
2011.
With respect to marketings, year-over-year changes varied substantially among major crops. Total wheat marketings
in 2012 increased 13.4 per cent, to 7.8 million tonnes. For canola, total marketings reached a record 5.5 million tonnes in
2012.
The increase in marketings was mostly driven by higher prices and increased production for major crops. Barley
marketings were estimated at 1.2 million tonnes, or 9.1 per cent lower than in 2011, mainly due to lower production.