The mild winter has been a blessing for ranchers in the province.

Carson Callum is general manager of Manitoba Beef Producers.

"Overall this mild winter has definitely helped stretched those feed supplies coming off a couple back to back drought years," he commented. "People are already really deplenished in terms of their feed stock, so I think this mild winter is helping."

Callum notes there is concern about the lack of snow in some areas.

"That concern is definitely valid as we move closer to the new growing season. Usually there's quite a bit more snow in certain areas that allow for a bit of moisture to be there for when things start up in the spring. It's definitely a concern and hopefully we get some of the timely rains that are needed if the snow doesn't come."