Canadian farmers increased barley seeded area from March intentions while cutting back on oats.
According to Statistics Canada’s June seeded area estimates on Thursday, farmers reported planting 6.704 million acres of barley in 2026, up about 264,000 acres, or 4.1%, from the March intention of 6.44 million acres. The latest estimate was also 9.3% above the 6.136 million acres seeded in 2025 and fell within pre-report trade expectations ranging from 6.25 million to 7 million acres.
Oat area moved in the opposite direction. Producers reported seeding 2.545 million acres, down roughly 358,000 acres, or 12.3%, from the March estimate of 2.903 million. Plantings were 15.1% below the 2.996 million acres seeded last year and slipped below trade expectations of 2.6 million to 2.9 million acres.
Alberta led the expansion in barley. Farmers planted 3.701 million acres, up about 223,000 acres, or 6.4%, from March intentions of 3.478 million. That was also 12% above the 3.305 million acres seeded in 2025.
Alberta oat area was reduced to 743,700 acres, down approximately 65,000 acres, or 8.1%, from March and 11.5% from last year’s 839,900 acres.
Saskatchewan barley area reached 2.539 million acres, an increase of nearly 108,000 acres, or 4.4%, from the March projection of 2.431 million. Compared with 2025, Saskatchewan barley area rose 12.6% from 2.254 million acres.
However, Saskatchewan farmers cut oat area to 1.092 million acres, down about 125,000 acres, or 10.2%, from March. That was also 15% below the 1.285 million acres planted last year.
Manitoba moved against the broader barley trend. Farmers seeded 238,200 acres, down about 66,000 acres, or 21.7%, from March intentions and 23% below the 309,400 acres planted in 2025.
Manitoba oat area also fell sharply, dropping 27.9% from last year to 400,800 acres.
