Exports are projected to remain very strong at 3.9 Mt, due to lower production in the US, EU and north Africa. The hot, dry weather is expected to have resulted in low bushel weight which reduces its feed value and the heat also increases the protein content which will reduce the selection rate for malting barley. Feed use is expected to remain strong and exports of feed barley are expected to decrease from 1996-97. Malting barley exports should increase because of the low quality Australian crop. Corn Corn supplies are expected to decrease slightly due to lower production which is only partly offset by higher carry-in stocks.
Domestic use is lower than previously forecast due to start-up delays with the new ethanol plants.
Net imports of corn are expected to increase due to strong demand. Exports in 1997-98 are expected to remain high, due to steady US demand and increased oat processing capacity in western Canada. Prices should decrease from 1996-97 due to lower US oat prices. Average yields are expected to decrease significantly from the 1996-97 record. Tight supplies are expected to limit the decline in Canadian canola prices, with prices remaining high relative to world oilseed commodity prices.