The AgriPost
February 23, 2024
Warm Winter Weather Brings Mixed Blessings to Manitoba Farmers
“Wow...cattle are grazing on the hay field on February 2,” noted cattle producer Ian Smith of Argyle, MB.
By Harry Siemens In the heartland of Manitoba, where farming is a way of life, the unseasonably warm temperatures of this winter have left farmers with mixed feelings and cautious optimism. Agronomist Brunel Sabourin of Antara Agronomy of St. Jean-Baptiste, MB said, “No one likes it. Concerns on survivability of fall rye and winter wheat.” The absence of the typical winter chill has left many wondering if these cold-dependent crops will make it through the season. One primary concern among
farmers is the potential for wind erosion. The frost, which would typically lock the top layer of soil in place, has been absent this year. The absence of frost makes the soil vulnerable to blowing away in the prairie winds, potentially harming the soil quality. However, there is a glimmer of hope for those who left some stubble in their fields. Sabourin notes, “Always nice to have a good insulating layer of snow. Guys that left some stubble standing are a little more at ease.” Stubble is a natural barrier against wind erosion and helps keep the soil in place.
While the disappearing snow may raise concerns about soil moisture, Jochem Günter of Elie, MB finds solace in the pleasant working conditions saying, “We’re caught up on hauling grain, the snow is disappearing fast, it’s evaporating rather than soaking into the ground. It’s pleasant to work outside.” Jason Voogt, Owner Agronomist of Field 2 Field Agronomy Inc. of Carman, MB, offered a more optimistic outlook, especially concerning crops. He says, “As far as the crop side of things, this doesn’t have growers too
Submitted photo Ian Smith
concerned yet. We still have 3 months until seeding, so a lot can happen regarding getting more snow or rain to offset dryness concerns.” Voogt’s confidence extends to crops like fall rye, winter wheat, and perennial ryegrass that are already in the ground. He reassures, “I’m not concerned if they would come out of dormancy. The air temp isn’t as important as the soil temp at the crown, which is below the soil surface and is still below freezing. Those soil temps would have to get to 8 to 10 degrees for dormancy to Continued on page 2... break.”
Funding Announced to Strengthen the Pulse Sector and Mitigate Climate Change Canada is the largest exporter of pulses in the world, shipping a significant amount of dry peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas to over 120 countries every year—making the pulse industry a key driver of the Canadian economy. To further strengthen Canada’s pulse industry the Federal government has announced up to $11,017,979 to Pulse Canada. This funding is provided through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. “Canadian pulse farmers are vitally important to our economy,” noted Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will bring together the top experts in pulse growing and research from across the Prairies to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector for generations to come.” Through research, the Cluster will help address challenges in production which will result in reduced nitrogen fertilizer consumption across crop rotations, lower greenhouse gas emissions, increased carbon sequestration, lower disease risks and increased profits for farmers. “Canada is a world leader in sustainable pulse production and exportation. These investments in research from the Government of Canada, matched by our sector, will help enhance our resiliency to meet the growing global demand for sustainably grown, high quality pulses and ingredients while making a positive impact on our environment and economy,” added Kevin Auch, Chair, Pulse Canada. Expected outcomes of the Cluster research include supporting the Government of Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets by developing new management practices for reduced fertilizer or fungicide applications; contributing to a sustainable and profitable future for pulse growers by developing new varieties to improve production efficiency, protein yield and profitability and helping industry achieve goals associated with development of pulse varieties resistant to disease and resilient to environmental stress.