Glenda Lee Vossler

Manitoba's Potato Report shows over 95  per cent of potato acres have been planted in Manitoba, ranging from 40 to 100 per cent for individual farms.

Planting in the western side of the province is over 95 per cent complete, with some wet fields still unplanted.

The Central potato growing areas are around 40 to 100 per cent complete, while the southern part of the province is 70 to 100 per cent planted.

Overall, planting has progressed well in many areas, despite the rain and snow that some areas received in May, and more rain is in the forecast for this week.

Manitoba's Potato Report shows over 95  per cent of potato acres have been planted in Manitoba, ranging from 40 to 100 per cent for individual farms.

Planting in the western side of the province is over 95 per cent complete, with some wet fields still unplanted.

The Central potato growing areas are around 40 to 100 per cent complete, while the southern part of the province is 70 to 100 per cent planted.

Overall, planting has progressed well in many areas, despite the rain and snow that some areas received in May, and more rain is in the forecast for this week.

With farmers focused on getting this year's crop in the ground just a reminder to keep kids safe on the farm.

Robin Anderson, director of programs and communications with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association says they are partnering with BASF for the first inaugurala "Kids Farm Safe Week", May 13-19.

She says it's really in response to statistics from the Canadian Agriculture Injury reporting data showing that kids, especially those under four years of age, are being killed on farms at an alarming rate, higher than any other age group under the age of 60.

Seeding progress has been delayed across the province with the recent rains

Pulse and Soybean Specialist Dennis Lange puts together the weekly report and says timing of the rain was ideal.

"In the last week, just based on the weather report, rainfall levels were anywhere from four mm all the way up to 37 mm across the province. It has delayed the seeding over the last week. So we haven't moved a whole lot we're sitting at about four per cent complete. "

Canola producers will want to monitor crop emergence closely for any signs of flea beetle damage. 

The insect overwinters as an adult and wakes up hungry, with activity increasing as the temperature warms up. 

Canola Council of Canada Agronomist Keith Gabert says the insects can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time, which is why scouting the crop on a regular basis is so important.

The key is to stay ahead of the insect by getting a good emergence and stand establishment with five to eight plants per square foot up and growing vigorously.

Farm Credit Canada has been studying farmland rental rates as compared to farmland values.

Data shows the national rent-to-price ratio in 2023 was 2.52%, reflecting a negligible decline from the previous year. 

FCC Senior Economist Justin Shepherd says in 2023 we saw some fairly strong farmland value growth across the prairies, especially in Saskatchewan as well as Manitoba,
while Alberta had a little bit slower growth, but it was still positive.

There's a growing concern in the grain industry about the potential for a rail strike.

A major rail strike impacting both railways could be just days away after employees voted 98 percent in favor of a strike mandate.

Close to 10,000 rail workers at CN and CPKC have voted to go on strike unless a deal can be reached. 

The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) says this is a key concern, with approximately 94% of Canadian grain being transported by rail and destined for export markets.

There's a growing concern in the grain industry about the potential for a rail strike.

A major rail strike impacting both railways could be just days away after employees voted 98 percent in favor of a strike mandate.

Close to 10,000 rail workers at CN and CPKC have voted to go on strike unless a deal can be reached. 

The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) says this is a key concern, with approximately 94% of Canadian grain being transported by rail and destined for export markets.

This week is National Soil Conservation Week.

Over the last few months, the Senate Committee on Agriculture has been working on developing a new study on Soil Health in Canada.

Senator Robert Black says the committee toured the country to get a first-hand look at the situation, meeting with various scientists, producers, organizations and researchers to get an understanding of what's been happening.

The committee heard from 153 witnesses over the course of approximately 18 months and received 72 briefs from interested parties and individuals.

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says the budget highlights several key investments for the province's agriculture sector.

One of the announcements getting a lot of attention is the $100,000 increase in the Young Farmer's Rebate Program from $200,000 to $300,000.

He says with the increased costs producers are facing they felt it was an opportune time to provide some additional borrowing capacity for young producers.

Manitoba Pork's General Manager Cam Dahl is pleased with the move saying access to capital is a limiting factor for agriculture.