Different regions across Canada experienced a mix of growing and weather conditions, which affected crop and forage production in various ways this year. Crop production is expected to be slightly higher than last year while overall forage production is expected to decline. Most cattle producers are adjusting to lower forage production by making use of feed alternatives. An abundance of feed grain supplies and improving profitability in the livestock sector are expected to support strong feed demand and sales. In this report, we present the feed outlook through winter and lay out implications for the Canadian livestock industry and commercial feed sectors.
Regional feed and forage production
Areas in western Canada had adequate rainfall and warm temperatures, increasing crop yields, while on the other hand, eastern Canada had a hot and dry summer, which is lowering yields. However, recent heavy rain in western Canada has raised concerns for unharvested crops. Many cereal crops, especially wheat, may be downgraded to feed quality. Overall despite regional differences, total crop production is still expected to rise slightly.
While Canada’s overall crop production is expected to increase, hay and pasture conditions in western Canada were below average this summer as rainfall came too late to support strong hay growth or grazing. However, the recent rainfall has brought relief to drought-affected areas in the Prairies. The moisture has helped extend grazing and may continue to support late-season forage growth. Ontario and Quebec saw good first hay cuts, but cool and wet weather affected quality in some regions. In the Atlantic provinces, warm and dry conditions supported better haying progress early in the season.