MarketsFarm — Compared to last year, Canada’s 2022-23 quinoa harvest has significantly improved, with yields exceeding expectations, according to Michael Dutcheshen of Saskatoon-based NorQuin.
“Last year was a tough year for Canadian farmers for all crops, with quinoa no exception. This year is looking a lot more positive. We seem to have missed the hot season as seeding came at the right time,” he said, noting this fall’s yields are around 1,100 pounds per acre, which is about average.
He said the majority of the quinoa in Canada is grown in Saskatchewan, primarily north of Highway 16; some is also grown in southern Manitoba and northern Alberta, plus some in the latter province’s south under irrigation.
Read Also
U.S. grains: Wheat futures rise on supply snags in top-exporter Russia
U.S. wheat futures closed higher on Thursday on concerns over the limited availability of supplies for export in Russia, analysts said.
Prices for quinoa have held up, remaining about the same from 2021-22, Dutcheshen said, noting that quinoa prices in South America are currently high.
“That’s kind of working in our favour, so we are able to maintain last year’s price, which is a little higher than in previous years,” he added, but declined to cite Norquin’s contract price.
An ancient grain from South America, quinoa generally prefers a cooler climate but has a low tolerance for frost.
As more Canadian farmers try growing quinoa, companies such as NorQuin not only market it domestically but also export it to the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Australia, Korea, Japan, and South America.
— Glen Hallick reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg; includes files from Treena Hein of Glacier FarmMedia.
