Agricultural exports continue to dominate Alberta’s economy, posting a record $4.1 billion in international sales for 1995 compared to $3.6 billion the year before.
The statistics branch for Alberta Agriculture recently released the figures which show record amounts in almost every area.
When sales of agricultural products to other provinces are added to the export numbers, the province sold $6.4 billion worth of goods compared to $5.8 billion in 1994.
Strong global demand for grain helped drive sales upwards, said the report.
International export revenues were responsible for 64 percent of the province’s agricultural sales. The United States, Japan and China are the province’s best customers. The Americans bought $1.9 billion worth of commodities and food products.
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The top 10 exports were wheat, live cattle, canola seed, beef, barley, canola oil, raw hides and skins, pork, oilseed cake and meal and field peas. These 10 commodities made up 80 percent of the total exports.
While most people think of Alberta as the cattle baron province, international wheat sales provided the most returns. Wheat comprised 21 percent of the industry’s revenue. Exports totaled 3.9 million tonnes in 1995 which are down from 1994 levels. However, because of higher grain prices, revenue reached $906.8 million, up 11 percent over the year before.
Japan best customer
Canola seed and oil exports continued to grow as well. About 1.3 million tonnes of seed were exported with a value of $548 million, up from $463 million in 1994. Canola oil shipments totaled 170,071 tonnes with a value of $149 million. Japan was the best customer for these products.
Cattle are still a bright spot. Live cattle and calf exports increased in 1995 with most production going stateside. Sales reached 598,499 head, up 19 percent from 1994. Beef sales hit 134,162 tonnes worth $396 million.
Domestically, beef was the most important product purchased by other provinces. It accounted for 35 percent of the total value of shipments, said the report.
Hog sales increased in 1995. Export sales were $51.3 million, up from $19 million in 1994. The U.S. was the sole importer. Pork exports were 43,212 tonnes.
