Which crops will generate the best net return per acre this year? Which crops are the biggest money losers?
Actually, with grain prices so depressed, returns per acre are looking dismal on all the major crops right now with some significantly worse than others.
For the analysis, I’ve used yields from the August 28 Statistics Canada production estimate for Saskatchewan. Crop prices come from publicly available sources, but note that prices vary by day and region.
Expenses come from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s 2025 Crop Planning Guide. Both operating and fixed costs are taken into account.
With current grain prices, all net returns are negative with some showing startling losses. Yellow peas show the worst net return with durum and Canary seed not much better.
The best returns, in other words the smallest losses are for flaxseed, canola and mustard.
I did the same analysis last year and the differences are stark.
Canary seed at this time last year was 35 cents a pound as compared to this year’s 22 cents.
Kabuli chickpeas were a star last year with a price of 42 cents a pound and a net return per acre of $156. At this year’s 30 cents per pound, the net return is negative $154 per acre.
Green lentils topped the profitability list last year at $207 per acre on the strength of 50 cent per pound prices. This year at a dismal 23 cents per pound, the analysis shows a loss of $176 an acre.
This analysis is just a snapshot in time. Yield estimates will change and many expect them to move up a bit. Prices are dismal now, but will hopefully improve.
