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A tractor pulls a seeder across a field near Portage la Prairie as spring seeding continues across the region.
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A tractor pulls a seeder across a field near Portage la Prairie as spring seeding continues across the region. Photo submitted/John Mayer
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Spring seeding is well underway in the Portage area, with many producers busy getting crops like cereals, canola, and soybeans into the ground.

Jill Verwey, a Portage-area farmer and president of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), says that while the weather has been favorable in the last few weeks, dry conditions in some parts of the region remain a concern.

"We’ve had some really good weather here in the last couple of weeks, and now that the sun is out and it’s warming up, I think things are going in pretty good," Verwey said. "Everybody is very busy and active."

In the Portage area, the soil moisture levels are generally good, which has allowed for steady progress with seeding. However, Verwey mentioned that the southwest region is experiencing some of the driest conditions.

"The southwest probably is the driest, and there are certainly some other pockets that are a little bit drier," she said, adding that despite some concerns about moisture, the overall conditions in Portage are favorable for planting.

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Tractors and seeders work fields near Portage la Prairie as producers take advantage of dry conditions to make spring seeding progress. Photo submitted/Jill Verwey

Seeding and crop progress

According to the latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, as of May 6, 2025, seeding progress across the province is 8% complete, ahead of the five-year average of 6%. In the Portage area, many producers are already finishing their cereal seeding and are starting to plant oilseeds like canola and soybeans.

"I think everything’s had, I think for the most part, a good start," noted Verwey. "There’s good soil moisture there to lead to some really good germination and some vigor in the plants."

Farmers are hopeful for the continued warm weather that will help crops grow quickly.

"We want to see some warmer air temperatures to bring up that soil temperature," she explained, mentioning that good temperatures are essential for a strong start to the season.

Tight margins and market concerns

In addition to the weather, Verwey also highlighted concerns about crop prices and their impact on farmers' bottom lines.

"I think certainly over the last two years, we've seen some real downward pressure on crop prices," Verwey said. "We’ve seen again some real pressures certainly on the oilseed side with tariffs that are in place on canola meal and in that area, specifically with China."

The volatility in prices, especially for oilseeds like canola, has made it difficult for farmers to plan and budget effectively. With the continued uncertainty about tariffs and the overall trade situation, many producers are facing tight margins.

"Producers are really having to use that real sharp pencil to do their budgeting," she noted, pointing out that the unpredictability in the market adds additional stress to the farming operation.

Despite these challenges, Verwey remains optimistic and emphasized the importance of long-term planning.

"I think for the most part, producers are looking at the long-term viability," she said. "You're not making a choice for the most part from year to year or certainly from month to month, depending on what the markets are doing."

Cattle production: Preparing for pasture season

In addition to crop production, cattle farming in the Portage area is also getting underway. Verwey noted that while cattle have not yet been moved to pasture, producers are preparing for the upcoming season.

"The grasses had a good start with the moisture that we had last year," Verwey said. "So guys are probably going to hold off and do their normal moving cattle to pasture, and hoping that there’s some good growth there."

She added that producers are monitoring pastures carefully, as turning cattle out too early can affect pasture growth for the entire season. Many farmers in the region are waiting for more warm weather to encourage the growth of fresh grass before fully moving cattle out to pasture.

"Pasture and hay fields are slowly greening up and showing minimal growth," Verwey explained, noting that the cooler temperatures and drier conditions have slowed the growth of pastureland. "Some producers are starting to talk about the possibility of dry conditions."

Despite these concerns, cattle producers are continuing their preparations. Many are also benefiting from stronger market signals in the beef sector, which has been positive in recent months.

"Some real strong market signals in the beef sector for beef producers to gain some ground after a number of years of having really, you know, stress on pricing," Verwey added.

With good moisture levels from last fall’s rains and careful management of cattle movements, producers are optimistic that the upcoming grazing season will be successful.

Looking ahead

Despite concerns about dry conditions, fluctuating crop prices, and tight margins, Verwey is hopeful for the rest of the growing season in the Portage area. Farmers are staying focused on their work, confident in their ability to grow healthy, reliable food for both domestic markets and exports.

"We’re looking at a good year this year," Verwey said.

With continued favorable weather, producers in the Portage area are working hard to ensure their crops and cattle are ready for the season ahead.

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