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More than 30% of the wheat crops in the province of Ontario in Canada have been lost this year as a result of winter kill.
Justin Shepard, market development coordinator with the Grain Framers of Ontario, explained that the particularly difficult winter caused the highest level of winter kill in recent memory. Typically, around 5% of the crop is lost in an average year.
The area of winter wheat grown in Ontario typically ranges from 400,000ha to 430,000ha. This year, it is estimated that as much as 150,000ha of the crop has been lost.
A combination of late planting, a cold October and November and a very wet spring caused many of the crops to perish.
The main class grown is soft red winter wheat with about 80% of production going to this.
Decisions
Justin explains that some growers could avail of crop insurance to cover the losses incurred but that many faced the decision on whether to replant the field again. Many decided to replant with maize, soya beans or a spring cereal.
Effect
The majority of Ontario wheat is used domestically with 57% of production going into food and feed purposes. The remainder of the demand is met with imports. Justin explained that while the area is substantial, the expected effect on grain markets will be minimal.
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