Quality of Canadian food-type soybeans 2021

Growing and harvesting conditions

In western Canada, crops experienced stress due to very little rain and extremely high temperatures during the growing period. In late August, above average rain and low overnight temperatures benefitted the growth of long season soybean varieties. Soybean harvest began during the first 2 weeks of September. From mid-September to October, rain alleviated drought conditions in portions of eastern and central Manitoba. Heavy frost came later than usual to Manitoba on October 20. Overall, crop yields were below average except for some areas which received timely rainfall.

In eastern Ontario, dry soil allowed seeding to start early and finish by the end of May. Although soybeans germinated and looked good, a significant frost in eastern and northern Ontario damaged some crops and replanting was required. Soybeans in this area also experienced stress due to high temperatures and lack of rain. Seeds in some plants did not fill and were aborted. Soybean harvest was delayed in eastern Ontario due to high humidity, preventing crops from drying adequately. Reported crop yield was lower than average.

In eastern Quebec, low temperatures and good soil moisture allowed seeding to occur from late April to the end of May. Frost in May also resulted in some crops being replanted. Rain fell on June 20, providing relief to plants suffering under drought conditions. Rain came regularly in July and temperatures were above normal in August. Plants had normal height and a lot of vegetative development. Favorable conditions in the first half of October allowed harvest to progress. Less seeds per pod and lower yields were reported. In western Quebec, dry soil conditions enabled producers to start seeding early. Rain came during the last 10 days of June. Extreme heat affected the development and uniform germination of soybeans. Cool night temperatures in July gave plants relief from the hot conditions. Low precipitation and high temperatures affected grain filling and caused plants to ripen early. Harvest began in early September but was paused occasionally due to rain.