Is Area Shifting, or Being Left Fallow?
Western farmers showed uncertainty in what they intended to plant given the economic situation they face. Some area not sown to rapeseed will likely be shifted into spring wheat, barley and dry peas, which require lower input costs. However, Statistics Canada’s March planting intentions report showed a dramatic 15 percent increase in summer-fallow area. The Statistics Canada estimate may be too pessimistic, as farmers still have time to adjust their planting decisions. Also, most rapeseed planting in Canada generally takes place in late May and early June. Statistics Canada’s report showed a larger drop in canola planted area than would be indicated by the 10 percent reduction in harvested area forecast by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in its March 30 outlook. Soil Planting Conditions: Soil moisture conditions going into the new season vary by region, with good soil moisture conditions in eastern Manitoba and northern Saskatchewan, but with low soil moisture in southern Saskatchewan
