The USDA estimates Canadian soybean production at 3.3 million tons, up 22 percent from 2007/08. Yield for 2008/09 increased by 18 percent to 2.73 tons per hectare because of optimum growing conditions throughout the season. Farmers in the eastern provinces of Canada switched from corn to soybeans due to attractive prices for soybeans and lower soybean input costs compared to corn. Planted area expanded to 1.2 million hectares in 2008/09, up 3 percent from last year. Production in the two major producing areas of Quebec and Ontario rose by 27 and 24 percent, respectively. (For more information, contact Arnella Trent at 202-720-0881.)
Source: USDA