Statistics Canada reports mixed grain trends for 2025
Statistics Canada’s latest projections indicate that Canada’s barley and oat crops will follow different paths in 2025. Nationally, barley production is expected to decline, while oats are forecast to post a small gain.
Barley production across Canada is projected to fall by 1.9% year over year to 8.0 million tonnes. The decline is largely attributed to reduced harvested area, which is anticipated to drop by 6.7% to 5.5 million acres. Despite this, yields are expected to improve, rising by 5.2% to 66.5 bushels per acre, softening the overall decline.
Alberta is forecast to lead in barley gains, with production expected to climb 3.6% to 4.4 million tonnes. This increase comes as yields are projected to surge by 14.6% to 69.4 bushels per acre, more than compensating for any challenges.
In contrast, Saskatchewan is expected to see a decrease, with production projected to fall by 7.8% to 2.8 million tonnes. Yields are anticipated to decline by 4.8% to 61.8 bushels per acre, and harvested area is forecast to shrink by 3.2% to 2.1 million acres.
Oats are showing a more positive outlook. Production nationwide is expected to rise by 1.0% to 3.4 million tonnes. While harvested area is projected to decrease by 1.2% to 2.4 million acres, yields are forecast to climb by 2.3% to 90.7 bushels per acre, supporting the overall increase in output.
According to Statistics Canada, the 2025 grain outlook highlights the challenges of balancing acreage with productivity. While barley faces a decline due to reduced planting, stronger yields in oats provide stability and support for Canadian grain markets.
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