Farmers hoping to sow flax this spring might have trouble locating seed, the Manitoba Flax Growers Association says in a release.
“Several seed growers and retailers are reporting they are sold out or near sold out of certified seed, though there are still supplies available of the most common varieties,” the release says.
Flax acres are expected to increase in Manitoba in 2014 to more historical acreage as compared to the low acreages in 2012 and 2013.
On the profitability scale, flax pencils out well this year related to other cropping options. In addition, the flax marketing and logistics has not been as severely restricted as have other commodities during the current transportation backlog in Western Canada.
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As well, the cost of inputs, such as seed, nutrients and weed control, are lower than for many other crops.
For agronomic information and fertility and weed management advice go to www.mfga.ca or a local MAFRD office.
The website includes a section “10 Tips To Target Higher Flax Yields.” Growers following these tips are reporting yields notably higher than the provincial average.
