Manitoba farmers behind on harvest, but optimistic about catching up

Manitoba farmers are struggling to complete their harvest this year, but remain hopeful they can catch up. Heavy rain earlier in the season, followed by scorching and dry conditions in July and August, have hampered progress. As of Tuesday, only 65% of all crops had been harvested, a 21% drop compared to last year and 20% lower than the same period in 2024.

Kelvin Heppner, a farmer in the Altona area, noted that September brought almost daily rain, heavy dew, and morning fog, making it difficult to harvest a dry crop. Mould and other factors could affect the quality of the remaining crops. However, the first week of October has seen more favorable harvesting conditions. Heppner hopes for long days with morning breezes and low humidity to maximize harvest efficiency.

Some farmers have even rented or purchased additional combines to boost productivity, despite the added costs. Canola, which is in poor condition, poses the greatest challenge, with lower-than-expected yields. Corn and soybeans, on the other hand, are more resilient and should be harvested relatively quickly if the weather remains favorable.

Southwestern Manitoba has fallen the furthest behind, harvesting only half of its crop. Keystone Agricultural Producers President Jill Verwey emphasized the need to salvage what can be saved and maintain high-quality standards for the harvested product. Producers are optimistic about the future and are preparing for next year, with minor rain expected this weekend, but not enough to disrupt operations significantly.