The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) projected on June 12, a 2003-04 barley crop of 12.7 million tonnes, up from 6.2 million tonnes in 2002-03. This is a return to normal production levels following two devastating years of drought.

“Moisture conditions have improved across most of the Prairies, which is good news for farmers,” noted Bruce Burnett, Director of Weather and Crop Surveillance, speaking at the CWB’s annual weather and crop conditions briefing. “We are looking at a recovery from the disaster of the last two years.” However, dryness remains a concern in northern areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan. “There hasn’t been enough precipitation to offset the lingering effects of the drought in the parts of the north that were the hardest hit,” Burnett said.

Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada’s biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.

16 June, 2003