Canadian farmers reported planting more acres of canola, barley, corn and soybeans but fewer acres of wheat, oats, lentils and dry peas in 2026.
On the Prairies, planting progressed more slowly than normal but was largely complete by the end of May. According to provincial crop reports, seeding in Alberta began later than usual, but it was nearly in line with the average by the end of May. In Saskatchewan, planting rose significantly toward the end of May, but it remained behind the 5- and 10-year averages. Despite a slow start, Manitoba farmers were able to complete seeding in-line with historical averages.
For the most part, seeding in Central Canada progressed at a normal pace, despite wetter than normal conditions in some areas. Seeding was mostly complete by mid-June.
Area seeded to wheat falls
Canadian farmers reported seeding fewer acres of wheat in 2026, with total wheat area falling 5.9% to 25.3 million acres. The decrease in the total wheat area was led by spring wheat, which fell 3.9% to 18.1 million acres. Durum wheat (-10.3% to 5.9 million acres) and winter wheat (-11.5% to 1.4 million acres) also fell compared with one year earlier. The decrease in wheat area likely occurred because growers opted to seed more of other crops, including canola and barley.
In Saskatchewan, producers reported planting 13.2 million acres of wheat in 2026, down 5.9% compared with 2025. Durum wheat led the decrease, falling 9.1% to 4.7 million acres, while spring wheat decreased 3.1% to 8.5 million acres.
Producers in Alberta reported planting less wheat in 2026 compared with 2025, with wheat seeded area falling 5.4% to 7.6 million acres. Durum wheat led the decrease, falling 17.1% to 1.1 million acres, while spring wheat fell 2.1% to 6.4 million acres.
Manitoba producers reported planting less wheat in 2026, with seeded area falling 8.4% to 3.0 million acres on less spring wheat area.
Click here to see more...