OTTAWA — Statistics Canada today forecast 2009 production of all wheat in Canada at 24,580,600 tonnes, up 4% from its previous forecast but down 14% from 28,611,100 tonnes in 2008.

"The 2009 harvest was well under way with mainly dry and mild weather conditions across the country," Statistics Canada said in its Estimate of Principal Field Crops report. "Less than desirable summer growing conditions have held back crop advancement and more time is needed to bring the crop in. However, reported yields for most crops were higher than those reported in the preliminary production survey taken at the end of July."

The latest report was based on a survey of about 14,000 farmers taken Sept. 1-9.

Canadian spring wheat production was forecast at 16,561,100 tonnes, up about 3% from July but down 10% from 18,404,900 tonnes in 2008. Winter wheat outturn was forecast at 2,953,300 tonnes, up slightly from July but down 37% from 4,686,900 tonnes last year.

Durum production in Canada was forecast at 5,066,200 tonnes, up 12% from the July forecast but down 8% from 5,519,300 tonnes in 2008.

"Prairie farmers reported decreases in all major grains when compared to 2008, with the exception of spring wheat in Manitoba," Statistics Canada said.

This year’s oats crop was forecast at 2,899,700 tonnes, down 3% from the previous forecast and down 32% from 4,272,600 tonnes in 2008.

The 2009 barley crop was forecast at 9,164,600 tonnes, up 2% from July but down 22% from 11,781,400 tonnes in 2008.

Statistics Canada forecast canola production at 10,269,600 tonnes, up about 8% from July but down 19% from 12,642,900 tonnes a year ago.

Corn production was forecast at 9,738,600 tonnes, up 3% from the July forecast but down 8% from 2008.

Dry edible bean production was seen at 212,300 tonnes, down 3% from July and down 20% from last year. Dry field pea outturn was forecast at 3,161,300 tonnes, up about 2% from July but down nearly 12% from last year.

The only production increases from 2008 were forecast for soybeans, at 3,597,200 tonnes, up 3% from July and up 8% from 3,335,900 tonnes in 2008, and for flaxseed, at 964,500 tonnes, up 5% from July and up 12% from 861,100 tonnes a year ago.

The next estimate of 2009 Canadian crop production will be released Dec. 3.