Map: Heavy Rain for Parts of Western Canada

May 21, 2025

Some areas still need more, but rain over the past week or so has provided a major boost in soil moisture for parts of Western Canada.

As can be seen on the map below, the heaviest rain fell in southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba, with the Weather Network reporting 48-hour accumulations of over 100 mm in some Saskatchewan communities at the end of last week. Although the rain has delayed or slowed fieldwork, the rain was much needed for emergence and early crop development.

However, not all areas shared equally in the wealth, with dryness remaining an issue particularly for the Peace River region.

World Weather said that rain expected this week should help ease dryness in western Saskatchewan and some eastern Alberta locations but will likely fall short of fully restoring soil moisture levels.

Wednesday’s Manitoba crop report said some areas of the province received nearly 90 mm of rain over the past week, with some overland flooding reported in low-lying areas of fields in the Southwest region. Parts of the Interlake region also reported standing water in fields after the rainfall.

The report pegged overall seeding in Manitoba at 57% complete as of Tuesday, up from 33% a week earlier and ahead of the five-year average of 45%.

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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.