Statistics Canada last week estimated Canadian all-wheat plantings for harvest in 2010 at 22,719,600 acres, down 7% from 24,456,900 acres in 2009. The acreage decrease from 2009 reflected lower estimates for winter wheat and durum plantings with spring wheat plantings estimated higher than last year. But the estimates carried a major question mark because wet spring and summer weather may result in many acres intended for spring wheat and durum going unplanted. The estimates were based on a producer survey conducted between May 25 and June 3 and could not factor in the subsequent horrible planting weather across much of the Canadian Prairie provinces.

“As a result of continued inclement weather in Western Canada, estimates of planted areas may change considerably in the July farm survey, the results of which will be released on Aug. 20,” Statistics Canada said.

Area seeded to spring wheat other than durum was estimated at 17,806,700 acres, down 2% from the March planting intentions report but up 5% from 16,930,000 acres in 2009, Statistics Canada said. Durum plantings were estimated at 3,490,000 acres, down 5% from March and down 38% from 5,660,000 acres a year ago.

The winter wheat seeded area remaining after winterkill was estimated at 1,422,900 acres, up 1% from the March estimate but down 24% from 1,866,900 acres in 2009.

Canola plantings were estimated at a record 17,894,700 acres, up 6% from March intentions and up 11% from 16,199,700 acres a year ago. The oats planted area was estimated at 3,737,800 acres, down 6% from the March estimate but up slightly from 3,731,500 acres in 2009.

I.G.C. projects world wheat ending stocks at highest since 2001-02

The International Grains Council projected 2010-11 world wheat ending stocks at 201 million tonnes, unchanged from its May forecast and up 6 million tonnes from 195 million tonnes during the previous year. It would be the largest year-ending world wheat inventory since 2001-02.

The I.G.C. projected world wheat production in 2010-11 at 664 million tonnes, up 4 million tonnes from the May forecast but down 13 million tonnes from 677 million tonnes in 2009-10. The I.G.C. said its production

forecast was lifted by improved prospects in the United States, China, Australia and Iran that allowed for a reduced outlook in Canada, where wet conditions hindered spring planting.

World wheat consumption in 2010-11 was projected at a record 658 million tonnes, up 4 million tonnes from the May forecast and up 9 million tonnes from 2009-10 disappearance of 649 million tonnes. World wheat trade in 2010-11 was projected at 120 million tonnes, unchanged from May but down 2 million tonnes from 2009-10.