Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province.
Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food production.
Winter wheat is typically planted in late September to early October, depending on the region. For example, in the London area, the optimal planting window falls between September 25 and 30 (according to www.syngenta.ca/market-news/ontario-winter-wheat-harvest-11--complete).
Planting within this window ensures the crop receives enough Growing Degree Days (GDDs) to germinate and establish before winter sets in.
Seeding depth is also crucial—ideally 3.2 to 3.8 centimetres (1.25 to 1.5 inches)—to promote root development and winter survival. Farmers, said Syngenta, are advised to use starter fertilisers to support early growth and uniformity.
Once planted, winter wheat overwinters in the field and resumes growth in early spring. Harvest typically begins in July, with yields varying based on weather, soil conditions, and management practices.
Varieties, Production and Yields
Ontario farmers grow several classes of winter wheat, including Canada Eastern Soft Red Winter Wheat, Canada Eastern Hard Red Winter Wheat, and Canada Eastern Soft White Winter Wheat, per https://farmtario.com/crops/repeated-delays-bring-average-winter-wheat-crop-province-wide/.
Each variety serves a distinct purpose in the food industry:
- Soft Red Winter Wheat is primarily used for cookies and cereals;
- Hard Red Winter Wheat is ideal for flatbreads and noodles;
- Soft White Winter Wheat is preferred for cakes and pastries.
Soft Red Winter Wheat is the most widely grown variety in Ontario due to its adaptability to local climate and soil conditions.
According to www.ontariograinfarmer.ca, Ontario is Canada’s powerhouse for winter wheat, accounting for nearly 75 percent of the nation’s total acreage (see chart above). Other provinces like Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba contribute smaller but still notable volumes, while eastern provinces and territories produce relatively modest amounts.
In 2024, Ontario farmers reported average yields of around 100 bushels per acre for Soft Red Winter Wheat—approximately 110 percent of the provincial average farm yield—as noted by www.agricorp.com/en-ca/News/2024/Pages/map-and-county-data-show-winter-wheat-yields.aspx. These strong yields have a direct impact on crop insurance coverage, providing farmers with better protection against losses due to weather, pests, or disease.
Winter wheat contributes significantly to Ontario’s agri-food economy.
Even though market prices fluctuate based on global demand and local conditions, in 2024, floating claim prices for Soft Red Winter Wheat were set at $6.60 per bushel, while fixed prices reached $7.20. Organic winter wheat commanded a premium, with fixed prices at $14.60 per bushel.
Weekly market data compiled by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness tracks spot and forward contract prices, offering farmers insights into trends and helping them make informed decisions (https://gfo.ca/agronomy/field-progress/).
Environmental and Agronomic Benefits
Beyond its economic value, winter wheat offers substantial environmental benefits.
Including it in a corn-soybean rotation allows farmers to plant cover crops like red clover, which add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil, according to (https://ontariograinfarmer.ca/2024/04/01/winter-wheat/). This practice improves soil structure, reduces erosion, and enhances biodiversity.
Research has shown that soybeans grown in a three-year rotation with winter wheat and corn yield up to 52 percent more than those in continuous soybean systems. Additionally, winter wheat helps disrupt pest cycles, suppress weeds, and reduce disease pressure.
Despite its benefits, winter wheat production faces challenges such as delayed planting due to late soybean harvests, equipment demands, and short-term opportunity costs.
However, initiatives like the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) support farmers in overcoming these barriers by providing data-driven insights into yield potential and field-specific limitations.
Winter wheat remains a resilient and valuable crop for Ontario farmers, and its role in sustainable agriculture, soil health, and food production underscores its importance in the province’s cropping systems.
With continued research, innovation, and support, winter wheat will likely remain a valuable cornerstone of Ontario’s agricultural future.