OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA — Significant rainfall in June and early July has given a much-needed boost to thirsty wheat regions in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, but more is needed to support the crop’s development, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan received surplus rain during this period as well, but a heat wave the week of July 11 has brought moisture levels closer to adequate conditions.

Saskatchewan spring wheat area accounts for 46% of national spring wheat area planted in 2022.The government of Saskatchewan reported on July 11 that parts of the southwest and west central regions received rain throughout June and the first week of July, “but much more is required to support crop and hay growth.” Only 58% of spring cereals are reportedly at a normal stage of development, while 34% are behind, primarily due to excessive moisture on the eastern side of the province.

Alberta spring wheat area accounts for 35% of national spring wheat area planted. Alberta reported that 83% of spring wheat is rated in “good to excellent” condition while 64% of winter wheat is rated “good to excellent.” Manitoba spring wheat area accounts for 17% of the national spring wheat area, but about 5% of Manitoba cropland has not been planted.

Nationally, spring wheat represents 71% of area planted to wheat in 2022, in line with recent years. Durum represents 23% of area planted, and the remainder is winter wheat. FAS Ottawa Post is projecting Canada to produce 33.5 million tonnes of wheat in marketing year 2022-23.

August 2021 to May 2022 exports (year-to-date marketing year 2021-22) are 55% of a year ago at 12.21 million tonnes, compared to 22.67 million tonnes a year ago.

“High wheat prices have slowed the pace of Canadian wheat exports as importing countries opted to draw down domestic storage stocks until new crops become available at an expected lower price,” FAS Ottawa Post said, while also noting that “Canadian exporters will likely benefit from tighter global export supplies and subsequent increased demand for Canadian grains.”