As spring thaw reshapes Manitoba’s fields, local farmers like Carl Stewart of Stewart Brothers Farms are balancing cautious optimism with challenges posed by weather delays and newly implemented tariffs. Recently, Stewart shared insights into the region’s agricultural outlook amid fluctuating conditions and evolving trade policies.
“The ditches are starting to open up, the water is starting to flow,” Stewart says. “The forecast is hit and miss between lots of rain and no rain, so fingers crossed for some favorable spring conditions here.”
Initial hopes for an April start to seeding have dimmed, with persistent moisture pushing fieldwork into early May.
“We were hoping to maybe get after it in April here, but it’s looking like the spring thaws take a little longer than it looked like a month ago,” he adds.
Despite delays, Stewart remains pragmatic: “It’s too early to say how the year is gonna look. If we can get in early May, then things would be OK.”
Tariff exemptions bring relief, but canola concerns linger
The federal government’s recent tariff exemptions for livestock sectors have eased tensions for some farmers, though canola producers like Stewart face lingering uncertainty.
“A lot of the beef and pork have been exempt. Canola is still an issue,” he explains.
While prices have rebounded close to pre-tariff levels, Stewart notes that unresolved trade tensions with China continue to cast shadows.
“If these tariffs wouldn’t have been in effect, we would have likely seen some price appreciation here.”
He criticizes Ottawa’s approach to balancing industrial and agricultural interests, particularly regarding electric vehicle (EV) tariffs.
“I’m pretty disappointed in the federal government that they’re not trying to get along with the Chinese a bit better as far as lifting those EV tariffs.”
Stewart argues that protecting auto manufacturing at the expense of agricultural exports harms Western Canada, describing it as, “Trying to prop up a sinking ship by throwing Western Canada under the bus", and then adding, "I don’t think that’s the right [approach].”
Weather and markets shape season’s risks
With volatile commodity prices, Stewart emphasizes the high stakes of this year’s growing season.
“Based on average yields, if we have a good crop, things would be good. If we don’t, then it’s still looking like it might be a bit tight,” he says. His outlook hinges on timely seeding and cooperative weather:
“The earlier we can get in, the better we seem to do. Two weeks of rain will fix that, and in early May, that’ll shatter some of those hopes.”