SOYBEANS Soybeans tell a different story. More than half of Ontario soybean demand comes from export markets. Commodity soybeans move into markets such as Belgium and Italy, while Ontario’s food-grade soybean industry connects farmers with customers across Asia. Countries including Japan, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam purchase Ontario soybeans for products such as tofu, soy milk, miso, and natto. WHEAT Ontario wheat also has a foot in both domestic and international markets. Approximately 54 per cent of demand is domestic, including milling and animal feed, while the remaining 46 per cent moves outside the province. The United States is the top destination, but Ontario wheat also finds a home in markets including Mexico, Nigeria, and Brazil. BARLEY AND OATS Ontario’s barley and oat crops fill important niches as well. Barley is predominantly used within the province, particularly for livestock feed, while oats serve both domestic customers and export markets, led by the United States. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 23 Together, these markets demonstrate how connected Ontario farms are to the broader economy. Grain grown in the province may end up feeding livestock down the road, supplying an Ontario processing facility, or becoming an ingredient in a food product thousands of kilometres away. Knowing where Ontario grain goes provides a better understanding of who is buying it, how they are using it, and where demand is headed. That insight helps identify new opportunities, strengthen existing markets, and keep Ontario grain moving, whether it is down the road or around the world. Hayley Vinkovic is Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Market Analysis Specialist. Ontario’s Grain Markets report is available at gfo. ca/ontario-grain-production-and-utilization • Wheat: Ontario wheat serves milling, feed, and export markets around the world. Soybeans: Ontario soybeans reach both food-grade export markets and domestic crush demand.
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