CANADA: CN has set a 30–33 million-tonne grain shipment forecast for the 2026–2027 crop year after recording 10 months of record grain movement across its network.

Red Canada-branded grain hopper car on a CN rail line in London, Ontario
A grain hopper car on a CN rail line in London, Ontario; illustrative and not the current plan announcement. Photo: Gogerr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Published on July 31, the CN 2026–2027 Grain Plan anticipates shipments of 30 to 33 million metric tonnes of grain and processed grain products. CN puts the maximum sustainable end-to-end capacity of the grain supply chain at 36.7 million tonnes for the crop year.

CN grain forecast remains below stated capacity

The anticipated volume is below that stated capacity, but it is a forecast rather than a completed shipment total. CN says it has the people, equipment and operating plan needed to meet expected demand while remaining ready to adjust to changing market conditions.

Moving the crop requires coordination beyond the railway. The plan identifies farmers, country elevators, processors, railways, ports, terminals, vessel operators, customers and governments as participants in the integrated supply chain. The operating result therefore depends on capacity and timing across the full route from inland loading points to domestic and export destinations.

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Record months provide the starting point

CN said it finished the 2025–2026 crop year with 10 months of record grain movements across its network. The company attributed the performance to cooperation among producers, grain companies, terminals, customers and railway employees.

That record is the baseline for the new plan, not a guarantee for the coming crop year. CN said it remains prepared to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining safe and fluid railway operations.

Weekly metrics will track delivery

CN plans to publish weekly performance metrics and provide monthly reporting to customers, government and other stakeholders. Its official grain plan page says the plan is updated as crop-production estimates evolve and may also reflect significant events that temporarily affect performance.

The company’s Western Canadian Grain Report provides the public channel for regular updates on grain movements. Those reports will show how actual volumes compare with the 2026–2027 forecast as the crop year advances.

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