Amazing yields given the year

Even though 2008 had a more favourable growing season, some Saskatchewan crop yields are going to be higher this year than last. In the Statistics Canada production estimate released on Friday, the Saskatchewan durum yield is pegged at 32.9 bushels per acre, up slightly from last year’s 32.3. It has also been a good year for flax. The average yield is forecast at 21.8 versus 21.2 last year. Even though lentil acreage was up dramatically this year, the average yield is 1,343 pounds per acre, slightly above the 2008 number. It was also a good year for mustard despite higher seeded acreage. Stats Can puts the 2009 mustard yield at 994 pounds per acre, versus 770 last year. This year’s chickpea yield is 1,530 pounds, up from 1,409 last year. On the other crops, 2009 yields are lower. This includes winter wheat, spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, peas and canaryseed. Many analysts are expecting upward revisions in the 2009 yields in the December report. That would narrow the gap. While the 2009 crop has been disappointing in some regions, overall it has turned out amazingly well considering how things looked back in early July. I’m Kevin Hursh.