Guelph, Ontario, Canada
June 25, 2009

Source: Ontario Soybean Growers (OSG)

Ontario’s seeded soybean acres have risen 14.3% over 2008, to reach a new high of 2.4 million acres, according to Statistics Canada’s 2009 June Farm Survey. The Ontario area seeded to soybeans has increased from 2.1 million acres in 2008 to 2.4 million acres this year. The previous record set was 2.3 million acres planted in 2004.

Between May 25th and June 3rd, 5,039 Ontario farmers were surveyed about their seeded areas. At that time, seeding across the province was over 87% complete.

“The June Farm Survey results align with the predictions OSG Directors made in early May”, observed OSG Chair Leo Guilbeault. Statistics Canada’s April Seeding Intentions Survey forecast Ontario’s soybean acreage would increase 10% over last season, for a total of 2.3 million acres. “OSG Directors from across Ontario felt that the increase in acres would be approaching fifteen percent, and that is what has happened.”

According to OSG General Manager Dale Petrie, a “perfect storm” scenario led to this soybean acreage record being set. “Farmers ended the 2008 growing season feeling good about their soybean yields and profitability; wet weather last Fall meant that not as much winter wheat was planted as expected. High fertilizer prices and cool, wet planting conditions earlier in the Spring caused more of the “swing acres” to be planted to soy and less to corn.” Petrie also noted other factors: premium opportunities for Identity Preserved (IP) beans remain firm; there was some switching of intended white and coloured bean acreage to soy; winter wheat acreage lost to winterkill was planted to soybeans; and a Spring price rally occurred, driven by continued strong U.S. exports of soy and low carry-out numbers.

The full June Farm Survey results can be found at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090623/dq090623b-eng.htm

Established in 1949, the Ontario Soybean Growers (OSG) represents 23,000 growers in Ontario, Canada. With a vision of an innovative and profitable soybean industry, OSG's mission is to develop and promote a sound industry business environment that will allow Ontario soybean producers the opportunity for viable and profitable ongoing returns.

Website: http://www.grainfarmersontario.com

Published: June 25, 2009