Potato planting is nearing completion

May 31, 2022

Manitoba's potato farmers are getting close to wrapping up planting.

Vikram Bisht, Industry Development Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, estimates seeding progress at about 80 to 85 per cent complete. He expects growers should be able to finish with a couple more days of nice weather.

He commented on soil conditions.

"Soil conditions in many of the potato fields, which normally are sandier or lighter, fields, are moist deep but on the top in the planting zone, it has been reasonably ok. There are some areas within the fields where the planting will have to be skipped."

Bisht says the positive aspect of the delay in seeding is that the soils are warmer which will result in quicker emergence.

He notes seed rot could be a concern in some of the wetter fields.

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Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.