Manitoba farmers now have 57 per cent of the crop in

Farmers have been experiencing rain delays as they work to complete their seeding operations.

Oilseed Specialist Sonia Wilson reports that recent rain events in Manitoba over the past eight days have brought much-needed precipitation to many areas. However, she remains hopeful that producers will soon be able to return to the fields.

"We are receiving in some regions some warmer weather with winds that are definitely leading to field conditions being workable again," Wilson said. "But there are some spots for sure that have low-lying water as well. For example, Morden over the weekend received about 3.5 inches of rain. So it's quite a bit."

This week's crop report reveals that the eastern and eastern portions of the Interlake have received rainfall accumulations below 70 per cent of normal levels. In contrast, the Southwest and parts of the Central regions are reporting more than 150 per cent of the 30-year rainfall average since May 1. Despite the challenges, farmers have successfully planted 57 per cent of the provincial crop.

Wilson notes that while the recent rain will cause a slight delay in seeding activities, most of the cereal acres have already been planted. Provincially, seeding progress has corn at approximately 50 per cent complete, field peas at 96 per cent, soybeans at 40 per cent, and just a few acres of dry beans seeded to date.

To view Manitoba's Weekly Crop Report, click here.