Many mustard crops in Canada/USA are moving into the blooming stage. Some of those fields received much needed timely showers in June to relieve the persisting high heat and dry soil conditions. Continued high heat (to say the least as the next 10 days will be plus 30 C) is the forecast for early July and more showers/storms are urgently needed. Mustard crops in Alberta, Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Montana had fair to good starts in May and many received timely rains.
The temperature the next 3 days in Alberta/Saskatchewan will be 36C+ (100 F) and the pressure on crops will be severe. I have heard from some of our contract growers that their mustard is holding up well thus far and better than their cereal crops. But we are now moving into uncharted territory with the continued high temperatures. The situation is much the same in Saskatchewan but temperatures in the southern part are expected not to be as severe.
Canadian mustard acreage estimates for 2021 (300,000) were released today and there were no surprises given the low grower interest in March and April. Acres were up from 2020 (250,000) but that is not saying much as the market demand will need more. USA mustard acres are steady at 100,000 in the past 5 years. Olds Products was able to contract its required acres in January/February for Canada/USA and we are thankful for our loyal contract growers continued support for our annual program.
In early June the prospects for Canadian and USA did not look good given the low estimated number of mustard acres and little to no crop carryforward (all types-yellow, brown and oriental) on farm. Other contracting companies hastily raised their spot prices but to little avail. A few acres were planted to mustard in June, but seeding was past for most growers.
Spot prices are not going down any time soon and we will see what effect the heat will have on the mustard crops. It is obvious the plants will be stressed regardless of the showers/storms that come through and the average yield will be lower.
I plan to do my crop tour/inspection in the second half of July. If the Canada/USA border is open I will do my best to slide down there. In the meantime, any crop update or even a picture (good news or bad) is much appreciated.
Regards,
Walter