Photo: Thinkstock

Prairie wheat bids climb with U.S. futures

Spring wheat bids in Western Canada climbed higher during the week ended April 25, as a rally in United States futures provided support. Chart-based speculative buying was behind much of the strength in the futures, as fund traders bought back some of their large net short position. Declining crop ratings for U.S. winter wheat, the









Counting the stems and tillers of fall-emerged winter cereals will provide a better stand assessment.

Solid footing for Manitoba’s winter cereal crops

The fall had some quirks, but an open seeding window boosted interest in the crop

Manitoba’s winter cereals are off to a good start. Anne Kirk, cereals specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, and Alex Griffiths, agronomist with the winter wheat program of Ducks Unlimited Canada, both report plenty of fields in good shape, particularly those seeded in the prime window in early to mid-September. “We have had some moisture this September,


photo: Manitoba Agriculture

Stats in on 2023 winter cereal varieties

Yield results from the 2023 Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team fall rye and winter wheat testing locations are available to help producers with variety selection. In addition to yield, agronomic and disease-resistance information is shown in the variety description tables below. Things to consider Comparing yields: Data provided in the yield comparison tables below helps to make comparisons

Canola stubble is ideal for winter cereal planting, but barley and pea stubble have been shown to be good alternatives.

Are winter cereals headed for a comeback? 

Early harvest creates more options for field selection

Winter wheat and fall rye acreage in Manitoba has been declining in recent years, but an early harvest could see winter cereals bounce back. “In terms of field selection, this is a much better year to be planning and planting winter cereal varieties than last year,” said Manitoba Agriculture crop extension specialist Anne Kirk. Why