As southern Manitoba’s 2025 planting season approaches, farmers are navigating a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Dry conditions enable early field access but raise concerns about soil moisture and forage crops, on top of uncertainty caused by regular talk of tariffs. Shawn Cabak of the Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation (MASC) shares insights on weather impacts, market volatility, and risk management strategies.
Much of southern Manitoba has received just 50–80% of its typical winter precipitation since November, with only the Interlake region being above normal. The lack of snow cover could accelerate spring planting.
“Lack of snow in the field should allow producers to get into the fields a little earlier than may be normal,” says Cabak.
However, he cautions that reduced soil moisture recharge also has drawbacks for some.
“Drier conditions don’t help the perennial forages, which need more moisture than annual crops.”
Producers are urged to review insurance options before the March 31 deadline.
“They have until March 31st to either apply for, cancel, or adjust Agri-Insurance through MASC,” Cabak notes, emphasizing programs like hay and basic forage coverage.
Ongoing global trade tensions continue to roil markets.
“Tariff talk has created a lot of volatility in the grain and livestock sectors,” Cabak says, highlighting MASC’s price stabilization programs.
For cattle producers, he points to current livestock coverage: “Targets of $4.44 per pound down to $4.12 can provide $2,472 to $2,664 per head for a 600-pound steer.”
To help producers navigate the season, MASC’s webinar series, StockTalk and CropTalk, returns with critical updates. StockTalk concludes its season on April 10 with sessions on rangeland health, while CropTalk resumes in mid-April.
“These webinars cover everything from weed control to pasture management,” Cabak says. “Producers can sign up online—it’s a great way to stay ahead.”