Heavy Rains Delay Harvest in Manitoba, Threaten Crop Quality

URGENT UPDATE: Severe flooding in south-central Manitoba is crippling the harvest for local farmers as heavy rains have inundated fields, particularly around Poplar Point. Over 30 centimetres of water has pooled in some areas, creating a devastating impact on crops just as harvesting was set to begin.

Carl Stewart, a farmer with a 2,300-hectare (5,800-acre) operation, reported that his farm has received more rain in the past two weeks than throughout the entire summer. Notably, a storm on August 20-21 dropped nearly 100 millimetres of rain overnight, pushing the total for August to 115 millimetres, which is 157 percent of the usual amount for the month.

“This is going to hit our bottom line,” Stewart stated. “We’re going to have to leave some acres behind, and unfortunately, those acres are the ones that go to the bank, not to our creditors.” The excessive moisture has not only hindered equipment access but has also flattened crops, complicating the harvesting process.

As farmers face this crisis, Jill Verwey, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers, emphasized that while some moisture has benefited drought-stricken areas, it is now wreaking havoc on others. “Heavy rains have left fields waterlogged just as farmers were starting harvest,” she said. Many crops, including wheat, canola, and peas, now risk reduced quality.

Farmers are racing against time to begin the harvest. Delayed harvesting not only threatens crop quality but also poses significant financial risks. “At the end of the day, most farmers are hoping for an average year,” Verwey explained. Given rising input costs and fluctuating crop prices, an average yield may not suffice to cover growing expenses.

While some crops like soybeans may benefit from the moisture, Wendy McDonald from Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers noted that peas, which were on the brink of harvest, have been severely impacted. “The peas themselves were smooshed into the ground a little bit,” she said, warning that prolonged wet conditions could lead to mould, further threatening yields.

As the situation unfolds, farmers express urgency for improved weather conditions. “It’s time-critical that we get this crop off in the best condition we can,” McDonald stated. The longer crops remain in waterlogged fields, the greater the potential for market losses.

Stewart also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in securing essential infrastructure, such as ports and railways, to ensure a smooth supply chain. Recent trade disputes, particularly with China imposing a nearly 76 percent tariff on canola seed, have compounded the difficulties this season.

“We need to make sure that those issues are dealt with, so when things do improve, we can capitalize on it,” Stewart urged. The resilience of local producers is being tested, but many remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for recovery.

As heavy rains continue to impact southern Manitoba, the agricultural community is on high alert, hoping for a stretch of dry weather to salvage what remains of the harvest. This developing situation will be closely monitored as farmers strive to overcome the challenges presented by nature and market conditions.