Seeding is underway across the province, but well behind the five year average according to the first Manitoba Agriculture Crop report of the season. Overall, provincially, producers were able to make significant progress over the last week with field work and seeding, but progress currently sits around 25% versus the average of 63% completed.

Some early seeded spring wheat is emerging. Winter cereal crops are tillering and are in good to excellent condition with very little winterkill. 

Very few canola acres have been planted to date, as producers concentrate on longer-season crops, or those more sensitive to seeding date. Canola planting stands at 8% complete, with sunflower seeding around 15%.

Field pea planting is at 64% complete across the province. Soybean planting has started with 9% of the projected acres planted.

Meanwhile, farmers in the southcentral region of the province have had a strong start to the Spring seeding season, with even more progreess expected in the coming days with favourable weather conditions. For the most part seeding is continuing at a fast and steady pace. The Carman/Roland areas are further advanced in seeding than regions on the escarpment and heavier soils around Altona and along the Red River. Due to recent rains, many producers in these areas have yet to start seeding.

The first spring cereals have emerged and are looking healthy. Flea beetles have appeared and are consuming volunteer canola. Weeds are quickly appearing in fields.