From January to April, winter cereals are the only crops that were grown in Canada. Winter wheat is usually planted in the period of September to November and reaches maturity in July and August. It is mainly grown in Ontario and Quebec. Some winter wheat is grown in the Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba provinces as well. The winter wheat conditions were below the 5-year average according to the NDVI development graph. 

The proportion of irrigated cropland in Canada is only 5% and agro-meteorological conditions play a decisive role in the growth of most crops. Below-average temperature and above-average precipitation occurred in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. According to CropWatch Agroclimatic indicators, the precipitation was above the 15-year average by 15% while temperatures were below average by 0.5℃, and radiation was below average by 7%. Above average precipitation created favorable conditions for winter wheat. The sowing of spring wheat crop will start in May. Its success will depend on the soil moisture conditions. Excessive soil moisture will delay timely sowing, whereas dry conditions will cause poor germination. 

Regional analysis

The Prairies (area identified as 30 in the NDVI clustering map) and Saint Lawrence basin (26, covering Ontario and Quebec) are the major agricultural regions.

In the Prairies, precipitation was above average (RAIN +12%), while the temperature and radiation were lower than the 15-year average (TEMP -0.2°C; RADPAR -7%, respectively). By the end of April, hardly any crops had been sown. 

The Saint Lawrence basin is the main winter wheat production area in Canada. Most winter wheat is grown in southeastern Ontario, near Toronto and Ottawa.  The temperatures and radiation were below the 15-year average (TEMP -0.8℃; RADPAR -7%), and the precipitation was significantly above average (RAIN +29%). Despite the below average trend of NDVI, prospects for winter wheat production are favorable, due to sufficient soil moisture levels.

Figure 3.12 Canada's crop condition January-April 2022

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI  (c) Maximum VCI

(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA   (e) NDVI profiles

(f) Rainfall time series                                      (g) Temperature time series 

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Canadian Prairies region (left) and Saint Lawrence basin region (right))

Table 3.15. Canada’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA,  January-April 2022

Table 3.16. Canada agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure, January-April 2022