Manitoba seeding advanced well this past week, nearing the three-quarter mark.
Tuesday’s weekly crop report showed provincewide seeding at 71% complete as of Tuesday, up from 55% the previous week but still lagging 95% last year and 85% on average.
Warm weather helped push field activity forward across much of the province, although progress remains uneven by region and crop type. Cereal planting continues to lead overall progress, with spring wheat averaging 88% seeded provincewide, though the Northwest remains well behind at 55% complete. Winter cereals also continued to advance under favorable temperatures.
Corn planting made substantial progress during the week, particularly across the Southwest, Central, Eastern and Interlake regions, as producers took advantage of improved field conditions. Oilseed seeding also moved ahead, with approximately 60% of Manitoba’s canola acres now planted. Sunflower and flax seeding are largely complete across most regions.
Pulse and soybean planting continued to accelerate as well. Field pea seeding is effectively finished across the Southwest, Central and Eastern regions, while soybean planting reached 64% complete after rapid progress in Central, Eastern and Interlake growing areas.
Southwest Region
Hot, dry, and windy weather dominated the week, with temperatures frequently above 30 C and very limited rainfall, creating near-ideal seeding conditions.
Seeding progress advanced rapidly, with many producers wrapping up spring operations; cereal planting is about 90% complete while corn is around 90% seeded.
Canola seeding remains behind some other crops at 65-70% complete, while soybean planting sits near 65% as some acres shifted away from cereals and oilseeds.
Pea seeding is finished and most fields have emerged, while early-seeded corn and canola are progressing quickly under warm conditions.
Weed growth accelerated after isolated rainfall events, and producers are actively spraying while also monitoring flea beetles, wireworms, and diamondback moth activity.
Northwest Region
Hot and drying weather improved field access, although some areas remain too wet to seed; temperatures climbed into the mid- to high-30s with almost no rainfall.
Seeding progress remains uneven, with producers prioritizing soybeans ahead of crop insurance deadlines.
Spring wheat seeding is only 55% complete, making it one of the slowest regions in the province, while canola is just 25% seeded.
Soybean seeding is much further advanced at about 90% complete, with early fields beginning to emerge.
Winter cereals are generally in good condition, although isolated winterkill has been reported.
Central Region
Hot, dry weather continued with daytime highs frequently reaching the 30s, causing some crop stress and prompting hopes for cooler temperatures and rain.
Overall seeding progress is near 90% complete, ranging from nearly finished in southern areas to roughly 85% around Portage la Prairie.
Corn and soybeans are emerging quickly under warm conditions, while spring cereals are at the 2-3 leaf stage and winter wheat is advancing rapidly.
Canola is at the cotyledon stage, with flea beetles present but largely under control so far; producers continue close scouting.
Windy conditions delayed some herbicide applications, while weeds and pests such as pea leaf weevil and wireworms are becoming more noticeable.
Eastern Region
Rainfall was limited across the region, with most locations receiving little moisture despite very warm temperatures that accelerated crop growth.
Seeding progress surged ahead under favorable weather, with spring wheat at 98% complete, canola at 95%, soybeans at 90%, and corn at 95%.
Winter cereals are progressing well, with crops at the 4-5 leaf stage and beginning stem elongation.
Early-seeded crops are emerging rapidly, and producers have begun herbicide applications to stay ahead of weeds.
Flea beetles are becoming a concern in canola, with some early-seeded fields already requiring limited reseeding due to feeding damage.
Interlake Region
Warm, sunny weather supported rapid seeding progress, although strong winds and high temperatures are drying soils quickly and increasing moisture concerns.
Seeding is estimated at 90-94% complete overall, though some northern areas continue to face delays due to wet fields.
Spring cereals are 95% seeded, while corn planting is around 95% complete; canola and soybeans are each about 80% seeded.
Early crops are emerging well, with winter cereals reported in excellent condition and showing strong yield potential.
Producers have started weed control programs and insect monitoring, while flea beetles and volunteer crop growth are becoming more noticeable concerns.
