Statistics Canada has released new crop estimates using satellite images and weather data to the end of July.

The federal agency is forecasting the second largest wheat crop in nine years—and the biggest canola crop in three years.

On a national basis, Statistics Canada is projecting a 19.5 million tonne canola crop, up nearly 42 percent from last year’s widespread drought. That works out to an average yield of 40.5 bushels an acre. Saskatchewan canola production is pegged at 9.7 million tonnes with an average yield of 37.7 bushels an acre. Canola yields in Alberta are expected to be higher at 44.3 bushels an acre with Manitoba at 43 bushels an acre.

Canadian wheat production is projected at 34.6 million tonnes for an average yield of just over 51 bushels an acre. Harvested area is also expected to increase 9.4 per cent over last year. Saskatchewan wheat yields (46.4 bushels an acre) are lower due to dry conditions in southwest and west-central regions.

The Canadian durum crop should be more than twice as large as last year at 6.5 million tonnes, with 5-million coming from Saskatchewan. The average provincial durum yield is forecast at 38.8 bushels an acre.

Higher barley yields will more than offset a decline in harvested area. The Canadian barley crop is expected to hit 9.3 million tonnes—up 34 percent from last year. The average Saskatchewan barley yield is forecast at just under 61 bushels an acre which would produce 3.4 million tonnes.

Saskatchewan oat production is forecast at 2.2 million tonnes with an average yield of 90 bushels an acre. The Canadian oat crop should be about 4.5 million tonnes—up 44 percent over last year.

Provincial pea production is pegged at 1.8 million tonnes for an average yield of 37.5 bushels an acre, an 85 per cent increase over last year.

Lentils production is expected to hit 2.4 million tonnes with an average yield of 1,444 pounds per acre.

The average flax yield should be about 24 bushels an acre for total production of 350-thousand tonnes.

Mustard seed production is forecast to record a 200 per cent increase due to higher yields and larger seeded areas. The average mustard yield is estimated to be 781 pounds per acre for total production of 137,495 tonnes.

Canaryseed yields are estimated to reach 1,174 pounds per acre which would produce a a 140-thousand tonne crop.

Statistics Canada will release updated production estimates in its next report on September 14th.