Manitoba Crop Report - 2019 Summary

Nov 13, 2019

2019 Provincial Summary

Seeding progress began earlier than normal in late April, and quick progress followed in May with 94% of main field crops seeded by the fourth week of May.

Dry conditions persisted throughout most of the province until early September. Crop yields for spring cereals and canola are average in many areas; however, lower yields were reported for soybeans and some corn due to dry conditions during pod/cob filling. Low disease pressure resulted in good crop quality for early harvested grains; while wet fall weather has seen harvest quality decline for late harvested canola and cereals.

Harvest in Manitoba has been slow, and challenging fall conditions have limited progress each week. Harvest of cereal crops and field peas is essentially complete. Canola and flax harvest is close to complete but some crops will remain in fields overwinter, and soybean, grain corn and sunflower harvest is ongoing.

Fall field work including tillage, soil testing, post-harvest weed control, and fertilizer applications of anhydrous ammonia have been reduced from previous years due to wet fields and ongoing harvest.

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Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.