North Dakota is leading the nation in some products, but not in farm profits.

Tough times south of the border

North Dakota average farm profit was $28,600, 
compared with $76,404 in 2014 and $133,466 in 2013

Record spring wheat yields, the second-highest annual profit for cow-calf producers, an increase in government payments and lower crop production costs. Sounds like the start of a good-news story for our neighbours south of the border, but North Dakota State University says last year’s profit for farmers in the state fell to the lowest level

Weeds are more obvious when looking at a wheat crop down (r) than looking at it sideways, says Manitoba Department of Agriculture weed specialist Jeanette Gaultier.

Recent rains help crops and weeds

Herbicide-resistant weeds make controlling weeds even harder

Most Manitoba farmers needed the rain, but wet fields have delayed weed spraying, says Manitoba Department of Agriculture weed specialist Jeanette Gaultier. Dry soils delay weed emergence, but the recent rains and warmer weather have triggered germination, creating a green carpet of weeds in some fields. “The crop is going to pop, but so are


While forest tent caterpillars are high in number this year, they are not a direct a threat to most crops.

Cutworms growing larger, stripe rust detected

Manitoba Insect & Disease summary for June 8

Insects Cutworms are getting larger and have been an issue in some fields. The highest level of damage appears to be in the Northwest, where there has been some reseeding because of cutworm feeding. Flea beetle feeding continues, although foliar use of insecticides for flea beetle management has not been widespread. In many fields plants are now getting to stages more tolerant to feeding by flea beetles. Plant Pathogens Stripe rust has been detected

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 6

Conditions as of June 6, 2016

Seeding operations are wrapping up for the 2016 season in Manitoba with progress estimated at 99 per cent complete. Crop types remaining to be seeded include canola and cereal crops for greenfeed and silage. Many areas of Manitoba received precipitation, with the Manitoba Agriculture’s Ag-Weather Program showing accumulations ranging from 4 to 74 mm. Crop injury


Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 5

Conditions as of May 30, 2016

Seeding is nearing completion for the 2016 season in Manitoba, with progress estimated at 96 per cent complete. With the recent rainfall and warmer temperatures, majority of seeded crops are experiencing rapid germination, emergence and growth. Field operations have been hampered by rainy weather conditions during the week and over the weekend in some areas

Rain came to some parts of Manitoba over the long weekend but much of the province remains dry.

Rain needed for germination

But don't seed too deep to find it

Despite dark clouds and much thunder, the May long weekend weather failed to deliver the dust-settling, crop kick-starting rain many farmers are anxiously awaiting. “So it’s some but it’s not really enough to make a big difference that’s for sure,” he added, noting most areas of the province need between half an inch and an


Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 4

Conditions as of May 24, 2016

Excellent field and weather conditions allowed seeding operations to continue across Manitoba. Provincially, seeding progress is estimated at 88 per cent complete. Many areas of Manitoba received precipitation over the weekend which was of benefit to crops, hay and pastures. However, additional precipitation would still be welcomed to assist with crop germination, emergence and growth.



U.S.-Canada wheat tensions already easing

At least four American spring milling wheats are registered in Canada now and more are expected in the future

The United States government and American wheat growers should put their beef with how Canada grades imported American wheat into context, says Cereals Canada president Cam Dahl. “Very substantial changes have been made to the Canadian system in the last 10 years,” he said in an interview April 29. “It was almost impossible for varieties

U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Darci Vetter told reporters in Washington, D.C. April 25 that the U.S. government is pushing Canada for regulatory changes so American wheat exported to Canada is graded on the same basis as Canadian wheat.

U.S. pressuring Canada on grain grading

Grain companies say current regulations are no impediment

U.S. officials say this country’s grain-grading system is to blame for why American farmers living close to the border can’t take advantage of higher Canadian wheat prices. But Canadian officials deny claims by U.S. administration and U.S. Wheat Associates that Canada’s quality control system discriminates against imported U.S. wheat. Canadian officials concede imported U.S. wheat