Manitoba farmers make early seeding progress, remain behind average

“We’re still a little behind, but it is nice to see that we’re at least having seasonal weather finally,” Frey said. “We’re starting to see some milder nights, which is good and helps bring soil temperatures up to where we want them as we put some of our crops in, especially soybeans and other crops grown in those areas. It’s good to see temperatures coming up.”

Spring seeding has only just begun. Frey said that’s been happening primarily on fields where drainage has been better than others.

“You do see some of those telltale seeder lines and a lot of harrowing activity leading up to seeding, if that didn’t happen in the fall,” he said. “That being said, there are still quite a few fields left completely untouched, so there is a fair amount of work ahead.”

He noted most livestock producers in northwest Manitoba have been slow to put cattle out to pasture.

“I think it’s fair to say most herds are still in sacrifice pastures or being fed supplemental feed. There’s been a slow start with these low temperatures affecting perennial growth. One potential concern is that we are seeing somewhat dry soil in the top couple of inches of pasture and even in some fields, despite deeper moisture below,” Frey said. “It sounds like we’re talking out of both sides of our mouth, but while we want grain land to dry up, we also need good precipitation for pastures to green up. That’s the reality of farming.”

The cooler weather has also limited weed growth. Frey said there are a few dandelions and a small amount of emerging volunteer canola, but wind has delayed some spring fieldwork.

“I expect we’ll see quite a bit more activity this week.”

Winter wheat and fall rye fields are greening up, although growth remains slow due to cool conditions. Cereal crop seeding is about 10 to 15 per cent complete, with wheat accounting for most of the acres planted so far.

Regions south of Highway 1 have the highest completion rates. Pea seeding is 40 to 50 per cent complete, with early-seeded fields beginning to emerge.

Corn planting is about 10 per cent complete with a few reports of soybeans being planted.

Canola seeding is expected to begin this week.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Alice McFarlane

Manitoba farmers make early seeding progress, remain behind average

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