Hot, dry growing season in Alberta drives drop in Canadian wheat production

Wheat production across Canada remained low this year, with wheat yields in Alberta down nearly 20 per cent. Wheat production declined due to hot, dry weather in the state.

According to a Statistics Canada report, Canada's total wheat production in 2023 is expected to decline by about 7 percent to 32 million tonnes.Wheat production in other provinces such as Alberta also remained low.

Saskatchewan recorded a 6.7 percent drop in wheat production. Dry conditions were the main cause of reduced production in the prairies. However, Manitoba recorded an 8 percent increase in wheat production this year over last year as 3.3 million additional acres were planted.

According to the report, dry weather in southern and central Alberta this year has led to frustration among farmers. Meanwhile, despite higher harvested area, canola production declined by 2 percent at the national level to 18.3 million tonnes in 2023.