Agriculture Roundup for Thursday Setpember 15, 2022

Sep 15, 2022

MELFORT, Sask. – Canadian farmers are on track to produce a bigger crop this year than they did in 2021. Early production estimates suggest crop yields will be higher because of better growing conditions in Western Canada.

The Statistics Canada August crop production canola estimate is 19.1 million tonnes which is 400,000 tonnes below the Aug. 29 report while the projection for all types of wheat was increased to 34.7 million tonnes, which is about 100,000 tonnes higher than the estimate.

The report also indicated higher production levels this year for many other crops, including barley, soybeans, and corn.

The new estimates for all crops were released on Wednesday based on information gathered by satellite at the end of August.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI in Saskatchewan.

The confirmed case was found in a commercial flock in the Rural Municipality of Laird.

There were seven cases of avian influenza in Saskatchewan this spring in commercial and backyard flocks.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.