Challenges with the weather and harvest have resulted in a large portion of the provincial crop still being left out in the field.
Cory Jacob is a Crops Extension Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and says while 90% of the crop is in the bin, there’s still about 1.4 to 1.6 million acres still to combine.
Sask Flax Executive Director Wayne Thompson says about 38% of the flax crop is still out in the field.
In 2019, Saskatchewan's farmers seeded about 727,500 acres, which accounts for a large portion of Canada’s Flax acreage of 928,500 acres.
Thompson says when it comes to flax, there’s a variety of uses.
“The significant use for flax remains the industrial market, crushing it for the oil to be used in industrial coatings, or linoleum and then meal for livestock. The one we’re still focused on at Sask Flax is the opportunity in the food market with consumers.”
He notes a key buyer for flax is China.
Stats show that over the last three years China has accounted for nearly 60% of all Canadian flax exports.
“We’re exporting significant amounts to China, although that being said, the last few months have been very quiet from a trade point of view. My understanding is that China bought quite a bit in the spring, anticipating the smaller crop this year. They wanted to ensure they had a supply in-store, so they’re working through that inventory right now.”
The 1st International Flaxseed Forum and Procurement Event is taking place today in Saskatoon and is sponsored by a key grain buyer in China.
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