Rapid crop growth seen, insect pressures on the rise

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for June 4

Seeding progress estimated at 99 per cent complete across Manitoba. Widespread rainfall throughout Manitoba, although amounts variable within each region. The recent rains and warm temperatures have resulted in rapid crop growth. Herbicide applications continue as field conditions allow and crop and weeds reach the appropriate stage. Flea beetle activity reported throughout the province, with

Farmers often don’t pay attention to the fine print in grain contracts until there’s a problem, which is when it’s too late.

Read the fine print

Novel grain contracts require closer scrutiny

A spate of cases involving a Regina-based canola buyer has farmers across the Prairies paying attention to a legal drama between Saskatchewan producers and Input Capital, which has offered long-term “streaming contracts” for canola. In early May, CBC reported on a class-action lawsuit with six producers accusing the company of predatory lending. Morris Feduk, a


Flea beetle. (Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Flea beetles take advantage of late seeding

CNS Canada — A heat wave in late May and a slow start to the planting season have created some ideal conditions for flea beetles. Pest specialists in Saskatchewan and Manitoba say farmers have already begun to spray for the beetle in certain locations. “They’ve been getting good conditions to feed under, they like it



Dry conditions on Prairies underpin canola trading

Dry conditions on Prairies underpin canola trading

China’s interest in U.S. soy is both bearish and bullish

Contracts on the ICE Futures Canada canola complex inched their way higher during the week ended May 25, momentarily threatening to break above major chart resistance at $540 per tonne until traders stepped in and took profits before Friday’s close. Many parts of Western Canada are badly in need of more rain, underpinning trading in



ICE Futures Canada’s head office in Winnipeg. (Dave Bedard photo)

ICE weekly outlook: Seasonals to weigh on canola

CNS Canada — ICE Futures Canada canola contracts ran into some major resistance over the past week before turning lower, with more downside possible as seasonal trends should weigh on values. “Seasonally speaking, we’re in the neighborhood where canola makes the turn down,” said Mike Jubinville of ProFarmer Canada, noting canola typically sees some softness

Seeding nears completion, rapid germination, crop growth seen

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for May 28

Seeding is nearing completion for the 2018 season in Manitoba, with progress estimated at 94 per cent complete. Most areas of the province received rainfall, although amounts were variable. Additional precipitation is needed in many areas. The recent rains combined with warm temperatures have resulted in rapid germination, emergence, and crop growth. Herbicide applications are


Dry weather has been bad news for canola emergence, but good news for flea beetles.

Thin canola stands mean less margin for error for flea beetles

The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network warns that farmers may want to spray once flea beetles start eating a quarter or more of cotyledon leaf space

The flea beetles are out, and Manitoba Agriculture is reminding farmers to keep economic thresholds in mind when scouting their canola. Manitoba Agriculture oilseeds specialist Dane Froese says beetle management might need some adjusting, depending on crop emergence. At the same time, dry conditions have farmers casting a careful eye on stand numbers. Froese had

(Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Visible Canadian canola supplies tighten

CNS Canada — Visible canola supplies in Canada dipped below one million tonnes for the first time since the 2017 harvest, according to the latest Canadian Grain Commission data. Canola stocks in commercial hands as of Sunday were pegged at 991,400 tonnes by the Canadian Grain Commission in its latest report. That’s down by about