After a rough 2021, higher-than-average precipitation and more moderate temperatures in 2022 will help Alberta’s wheat production reach the highest level on record.

Preliminary estimates released yesterday by Statistics Canada suggest that wheat production in Alberta will come in around 11.5 million metric tonnes in 2022 and break the previous record of 11.3 million tonnes set in 2013.

The improvement comes after wheat production in Alberta fell to just 6.4 million tonnes in 2021.

Similarly, canola production is expected to rise from 4.3 million tonnes in 2021 to 6.5 million in 2022—the second highest level of all time.

Although not a record-setting amount, barley production in Alberta is also poised to have a good year, rising from 3.6 million tonnes last year to almost 5.0 million this year.

When combined with strong prices, these estimates are an encouraging sign for the sector and the broader Alberta economy. With that said, higher operating costs are also a factor and will cut into the net revenue of Alberta farmers in 2022.

Answer to the previous trivia question: Didaskaleinophobia refers to the fear of going to school.

Today’s trivia question: Not including the use of wild plants, when was wheat first domesticated?