Manitoba Agriculture
Crop Report
June 7, 2022
Northwest Region
Better weather spurred seeding progress across the region, while rain slowed planting on the eastern side of the region to begin last week. A light frost arrived over the weekend, with small amounts of damage on cotyledon canola in the Swan River Valley. Wind damage was evident in some wheat crops.
Soybean planting is complete in the region, as are most field pea acres. The earliest pea fields have emerged.
Seeding progress varies, from 65 to 70% done near Roblin and Swan River, while nearly done at The Pas. Dauphin Ste. Rose was about 40% complete, up 20% from last week.
Provincial Overview
Widespread, heavy rains began last week, forcing a stop to all field activities until this weekend, with the exceptions of the Northwest and much of the Southwest region, which saw significant increases in seeded acreage. The following days were dry, windy and cool, warming up over the weekend when many farmers were able to continue field preparations for seeding.
Producers switching between seeded crops has been the norm, taking time to recalibrate seeding equipment and move operations is slowing progress, but overall growers are very mindful of picking their driest fields and seeding whatever was intended for that land as soon as they are able.
High weed pressure as a result of an abundance of moisture has many growers attempting to spray where they can, but prioritizing land preparation and seeding tasks to meet seeding deadlines on remaining crops.
Shifting acreage from corn, soybean, and some sunflower crops to canola, wheat, oats, and barley has caused supply constraints at retailers. Fertilizer supply is sufficient, but canola seed may not be, or retails have trouble sourcing enough seed and chemical to cover off new canola or cereal acres. Farmers are encouraged to speak with their agronomist, retailer, chemical representative, and custom applicator as soon as possible to mitigate issues.
Manitoba farmers’ outlook for 2022 has been discouraged by poor weather, logistic delays, and extreme commodity risk. Farmers, livestock producers, ag-retailers and support networks are encouraged to connect with each other, and reach out to counselling and stress support services as needed.