Planting of the 2026 crop is off to a slow start in Manitoba.
Amid wet and chilly conditions, just 2% of the provincewide crop was planted as of Tuesday, said the first weekly provincial crop report of the season. That is 6 points behind last year and 4 points behind the five-year average.
Trace precipitation was reported in parts of southern and eastern Manitoba, with weekly accumulations ranging from 0 to 6.7 mm. The highest total was recorded at Sprague in the Eastern region.
Winter wheat and fall rye began to green up during the week and appear to have come through winter in good condition, while fertilization of winter cereal crops continues, the report said. Corn and spring wheat planting has started in the Central and Eastern regions, but no oilseeds have been planted yet. Producers are expecting fewer sunflower acres and more canola acres this spring as margins tighten.
Field pea planting has also started in the Southwest and Central regions, while soybean seeding remains on hold as producers wait for warmer soil conditions.
Southwest
Cool, windy conditions slowed seeding across the Southwest, with strong winds causing soil movement in some fields. Moisture levels remain highly variable, with some land still drying while other areas already need rain. Seeding has begun mainly south of Highway 1, where producers are planting peas and spring wheat, while activity north of Highway 1 remains limited. Overall progress is about 2% complete.
Northwest
The Northwest remains largely stalled, with snow still present in fields around The Pas and parts of the Swan Valley. Saturated soils, overland flooding and some road washouts have kept field operations from beginning. Warmer, drier weather is needed before seeding can get underway.
Central
Seeding is underway in the Central region, with spring wheat, peas and corn going in, along with fertilizer, manure and light field preparation. Heavier soils remain too wet, but winter wheat and fall rye survival is reported as very good, with little winterkill.
Eastern
Wet fields continue to delay much of the Eastern region, although limited spring wheat and corn acres have been seeded on the driest land. Spring wheat planting is estimated at 5% complete, while corn is 1% to 2% planted. Producers are hoping warmer, windy weather will allow seeding to resume more broadly.
Interlake
Fieldwork is also moving slowly in the Interlake, where cool, moist soils and lingering wet areas have limited fertilizer application and seeding. General seeding has not yet started, although a few growers are beginning on drier fields.
