Statistics Canada has released its model-based principal field crop estimates for August 31, 2016. Here are a few highlights:

Wheat

At the national level, spring wheat production is estimated to be 20.6 million tonnes in 2016, up 3.9% from 2015, mainly as a result of a higher estimated average yield across the Prairies. The national average yield is anticipated to be 49.9 bushels per acre, up 13.4% from 44.0 bushels per acre in 2015. Harvested acreage in 2016 is reported to have declined 8.3% compared with 2015.

Spring wheat production is expected to increase in Alberta (+13.5%) and Manitoba (+2.6%) in 2016, but to decrease in Saskatchewan (-2.8%). Average yield in Saskatchewan is anticipated to be up 10.6% compared with 2015 to 43.3 bushels per acre. However, an anticipated decline (-12.1%) in harvested area is expected to offset the higher yield anticipated in 2016. In Alberta, average yield is expected to rise 20.7% from 2015 to 57.0 bushels per acre.

Durum wheat production at the national level is expected to be 7.3 million tonnes in 2016, up 35.7% from 2015. This increase is due to a 4.4% gain in acreage, combined with a 30.0% rise in expected yield to 44.7 bushels per acre.

Canola

At the national level, canola production is estimated to be 18.3 million tonnes in 2016, the same level as in 2015, as a result of an expected increase in average yield combined with an anticipated decline in harvested acreage. Estimated average yield for 2016 is up 4.2% from 2015 to a record 41.1 bushels per acre. Estimated average yield is also up compared with the five-year average for Manitoba (+22.9%), Saskatchewan (+16.7%) and Alberta (+17.5%). Harvested acreage is expected to be down 4.0% to 19.6 million acres in 2016.

Barley

At the national level, barley production is estimated to increase 4.4% from 2015 to 8.4 million tonnes in 2016, because of a 5.0% rise in expected average yield to 68.3 bushels per acre.