Despite raging wildfires, Canada's breadbasket expected to deliver plentiful crop

Wildfire smoke shrouds grain farming regions in Saskatchewan, but most fields avoided drought conditions and got moisture for a decent crop

Smoke from wildfires has shrouded grain farming regions in Saskatchewan, but most fields have avoided drought-like conditions and received the moisture they need to grow a plentiful crop this season.

But variable weather, uncertain grain prices and a volatile trade environment have made farmers and industry watchers cautious about taking a victory lap just yet.

Leigh Anderson, Farm Credit Canada’s senior economist, said he’s feeling optimistic about the season.

“For Saskatchewan and Western Canada, we are expecting yields to actually be above the five- and ten-year averages,” Anderson said. “We use satellite imagery to predict yields and patter