StatsCan Raises Most Pulse, Special Crops Estimates from September

Statistics Canada has raised its final production estimates for most pulse and special crops from earlier in the fall. 

In its last crop production report for the 2023 season on Monday, the federal agency pegged this year’s national lentil crop at 1.67 million tonnes, up from the September forecast of 1.54 million but still down 27.3% from a year earlier. At 1,021 lbs/acre, the average national yield was increased from 940 previously, although it remains below 1,197 lbs in 2022. 

The pea crop is now seen at 2.6 million tonnes, up from 2.27 million in September but down 23.7% on the year. The average yield, at 32.3 bu/acre, was increased from 28.1 bu in September although that represents a fall of 5.5 bu on the year. 

Pre-report trade estimates had the lentil crop coming in between 1.5 million and 1.9 million tonnes, and the pea crop between 2.3 million and 2.8 million. 

At 272,736 tonnes, estimated flax output is up from 267,900 tonnes in September, as the average yield was raised 0.2 bu/acre to 18.2 bu. However, the 2023 flax crop is down 43.3% from 473,185 tonnes the previous year and even below the drought-impacted 2021 crop of 336,638. Last year’s average flax yield was 24.2 bu/acre. 

Mustard output is pegged at 170,710 tonnes, versus 167,800 in September and 161,781 last year. The average yield, at 608 lbs/acre, is up marginally from the previous forecast of 603 lbs but still below 661 lbs in 2022. 

The sunflower crop is now reported at 92,468 tonnes. That is well up from 77,700 tonnes in September as the average yield was lifted to 2,076 lbs/acre from 1,990 lbs. Last year’s sunflower crop amounted to 84,000 tonnes, with an average yield of 2,003 lbs. 

Chickpea production is estimated at 142,112 tonnes, compared to 134,400 in September and 127,929 a year ago. This year’s average yield was raised to 996 lbs/acre from 967 lbs, but remains below last year’s 1,206 lbs. 

The Canadian dry bean crop for this year is pegged at 339,315 tonnes, a major increase from 276,632 tonnes in September and up from 312,994 tonnes last year. The average yield, at 23.5 cwt/acre, is up from 20.8 cwt and closer to 23.8 cwt in 2022.