Canadian corn production is expected to reach a record high in 2026, while soybean output is also projected to increase on a combination of higher yields and expanded harvested area, according to Statistics Canada’s first production estimates of the season.
The StatsCan estimates released Wednesday pegged national corn production at 16.549 million tonnes, up 11.3% from 14.867 million tonnes in 2025. If realized, that would be the largest crop on record, surpassing the previous high of 15.421 million tonnes in 2023. The national average yield is projected at 169.1 bu/acre, up from 162.2 bu last year and also a new high, while harvested area is expected to rise to 3.854 million acres from 3.608 million acres.
National soybean production is projected at 7.456 million tonnes, up 7.8% from 6.918 million tonnes in 2025. The average yield is forecast at 46.4 bu/acre, compared with 44.3 bu/acre last year, while harvested area is expected to increase to 5.91 million acres from 5.735 million acres.
In Ontario, corn production is expected to climb to 10.420 million tonnes, up 9.8% from 9.493 million tonnes in 2025. If accurate, it would be a new record and the first time corn output in the province has ever cracked the 10-million tonne mark. The average yield is forecast at a record 186.2 bu/acre, up from 175.6 bu/acre in 2025 and smashing the previous high of 180 bu in 2024. Ontario corn harvested area is estimated at 2.203 million acres, up from 2.128 million acres last year. Statistics Canada attributed the stronger yield outlook largely to improved growing conditions and increased precipitation compared with last year.
Ontario soybean production is projected at 4.037 million tonnes, up 11.8% from 3.611 million tonnes but still down from the 2024 crop of 4.444 million. The average yield is expected to jump to 52 bu/acre from 46.3, more than offsetting a slight decline in harvested area to 2.853 million acres from 2.865 million acres.
In Manitoba, corn production is forecast at a record 2.291 million tonnes, up 5.8% from 2.164 million tonnes. Harvested area is projected to rise to 666,000 acres from 579,600 acres, offsetting a decline in average yield to 135.4 bu/acre from 147.0 bu/acre.
Manitoba soybean production is expected to edge down to 1.955 million tonnes from 1.961 million last year. Harvested area is forecast to increase to 1.901 million acres from 1.645 million acres, but average yield is projected to fall to 37.8 bu from 43.8.
In Quebec, corn production is projected at 3.535 million tonnes, up 19.9% from 2.948 million tonnes last year. Average yield is expected to rise to 155.9 bu/acre from 141.1 bu/acre, while harvested area increases to 892,600 acres from 822,800 acres.
Quebec soybean production is forecast at 1.358 million tonnes, up 14% from 1.191 million tonnes, as the average yield rises to 47.9 bu from 40.8 bu, offsetting a decline in harvested area to 1.042 million acres from 1.073 million.
Statistics Canada’s preliminary 2026 estimates are model-based. The next production estimates, scheduled for December, will be based on a survey of Canadian farmers.
