Grain exports are off to a stellar start this crop year, but things are good on the home front, too, says provincial crop market analyst Neil Blue.

Canadian Grain Commission data as of mid-November shows canola exports were up 34 per cent, non-durum wheat up 27 per cent, peas up 24 per cent and lentils exports more than double the year-ago pace. But domestic use of crops is also doing well so far this crop year.

“Domestic use of wheat, durum and oats are all higher than a year ago,” he said, adding demand for feed barley has been strong and canola crushing is almost as high as last year’s record. “This demand-driven market appears likely to support continued strong prices at least into the spring,” Blue said.