Manitoba Harvest Makes Better Progress

Oct 04, 2022

Manitoba producers made better harvest progress this past week, with particularly large gains made in canola.

The weekly provincial crop report on Tuesday pegged the overall harvest at 63% complete, up from 47% a week earlier but still about three weeks behind the five-year average of 86%. In the previous two weeks combined, the Manitoba harvest advanced by just a combined 15 points amid rain and high humidity levels.

The canola harvest jumped to 58% complete from 30% a week earlier, the report said, with over 1.9 million acres now combined. Meanwhile, 85% of the spring wheat crop was in the bin, along with 96% of the barley, 82% of the oats, 99% of the peas and 3% of the flax. Soybeans were 11% harvested while the corn harvest is just now getting under way.

Some wheat crops harvested after recent rains have been downgraded to No. 3 CWRS as a result of mildew and sprouting, while most remain a No. 2 CWRS. Swathing yet-unharvested crops is much more common across the province this year to reduce green straw problems and increase combine speed and efficiency, the report said.

Click here to see more...

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.