Grain exports running well behind year-ago pace

Prices, low stocks keep lid on demand

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Published: September 17, 2021

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A freighter is loaded with grain from a terminal at Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet. (Maxvis/iStock/Getty Images)

MarketsFarm — Canadian grain exports are running well behind the year-ago pace through the first few weeks of the 2021-22 marketing year, as smaller supplies and high prices limit offshore demand.

Total exports of all of the major grains, oilseeds and pulses as of Sept. 12 of 3.162 million tonnes are down by about 2.1 million from the same time the previous year, according to the latest Canadian Grain Commission report.

Of that total, canola exports-to-date of 297,100 tonnes are 75 per cent behind the 1.194 million tonnes moved during the same timeframe in 2020/21.

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Wheat exports of 1.754 million tonnes are running 30 per cent behind the previous year’s pace. However, of that total, durum exports at 475,600 tonnes are one of the few crops seeing exports up on the year. Durum exports are expected to slow down moving through the marketing year, as demand will need to be rationed going forward.

Barley exports-to-date, at only 19,600 tonnes, are well off the 227,000 tonnes moved by the same time the previous year.

Drought conditions across the Prairies during the growing season are expected to have cut into production of most crops, with wheat down 38.3 per cent at 21.7 million tonnes, canola down 34.4 per cent at 12.8 million tonnes and barley down 33.5 per cent at 7.1 million tonnes.

— Phil Franz-Warkentin reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.

About the author

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Editor - Daily News

Phil Franz-Warkentin grew up on an acreage in southern Manitoba and has reported on agriculture for over 20 years. Based in Winnipeg, his writing has appeared in publications across Canada and internationally. Phil is a trusted voice on the Prairie radio waves providing daily futures market updates. In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing music and making art.

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