Farmers looking at quick melt as unseasonable warmth spreads across prairies

Apr 11, 2023

With many areas looking at above-20-degree temperatures, farmers will see any remaining snowpack leave soon.

That's the consensus among weather forecasting services, which are forecasting a strong westerly flow across the prairies.

Alberta has been the odd province out as it's had less snow to keep things cold compared to Saskatchewan or Manitoba, but that's set to equal out soon.

The combined melting will be good for farmers, so long as more moisture isn't coming down, says Weatherlogics CEO Scott Kehler.

"I think with the way things are playing out now It's pretty good for farmers. They've got a decent snowpack so that will help get them some spring moisture. Then assuming that we don't get any significant rain events in April or May, it'll probably be fairly normal seeding dates in general, so looks like a better start to the year as opposed to last year, which was delayed in many areas."

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Video: Why Invest in Canada’s Seed Future? | On The Brink: Episode 3

Darcy Unger just invested millions to build a brand-new seed plant on his farm in Stonewall, Manitoba so when it’s time for his sons to take over, they have the tools they need to succeed.

Right now, 95% of the genetics they’ll be growing come from Canadian plant breeders.

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When fusarium hit Western Canada in the late 90s, it was Canadian breeders who responded, because they understood Canadian conditions. That ability to react quickly to what’s happening on Canadian farms is exactly what’s at risk when breeding programs lose funding.

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On The Brink is a year-long video series traveling across Canada to meet the researchers, breeders, farmers, seed companies, and policymakers shaping the future of Canadian plant breeding. Each week, a new story. Each story, a piece of the bigger picture.

Episode 3 is above. Follow Seed World Canada to catch every episode, and tell us: Do you think the next generation will have the tools they need to success when they takeover? How is the future going to look?