Canada's March Grain Movement Report

MONTREAL, April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today that it moved more than 2.96 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada, setting a new record for the month of March and achieved our highest ever first quarter results for grain movement. Weekly volumes exceeded 600,000 tonnes for two consecutive weeks, reaching a peak of over 650,000 tonnes, reflecting robust network performance and demand across both the West Coast and eastern corridors.

In March, Canada's grain movement experienced significant fluctuations, as highlighted by the latest report. The total grain movement reached substantial volumes, indicating both strong demand and varying efficiency in transportation sectors. With the increase in agricultural exports and the anticipation of harvest changes, the grain movement's metrics suggest a pivotal month for the sector.

The report outlines the differences in movement across various grain types, including wheat, canola, barley, and oats. Wheat maintained its position as a leading export, while canola showed an impressive growth in shipment numbers, bolstered by international demand, notably from Asia. This diverse grain movement underscores the agricultural sector's resilience despite external challenges such as transportation delays and market fluctuations.

Moreover, the rail transportation systems reported challenges, leading to bottlenecks in grain shipments. The coordination between grain handlers and transport lines is more crucial than ever as they navigate these hurdles. The collaborative efforts across the grain supply chain aim to optimize the current logistics systems and ensure smoother operations moving forward.

In addition to logistics, the impacts of climatic conditions on grain production and movement were also discussed. The report emphasizes the importance of forecasting and adapting to weather patterns, which play a critical role in grain yields and subsequent transportation needs.

Overall, March proved to be a vital month in understanding the trends and future prospects for grain movement in Canada. Stakeholders are urged to focus on transforming these insights into actionable strategies to enhance efficiency and meet the demands of domestic and international markets.