Cool weather slows Manitoba seeding

May 8, 2026 | 10:39 AM

Cool temperatures are delaying the start of spring planting across much of Manitoba, according to the province’s first weekly crop report of the season.

Manitoba Agriculture said seeding is about two per cent complete, with progress limited by cold soils, lingering frost and wet conditions in some areas.

Dennis Lange, a provincial pulse and soybean specialist and editor of the report, said activity remains scattered as producers wait for improved weather.

“We’re just slowly starting to get going in Manitoba,” Lange said. “It’s very selective on which fields you can go into and seed.”

He said early planting has been focused mainly in central and eastern regions, where some corn and spring wheat have been seeded. Pea planting has also begun in parts of the southwest and central areas.

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Lange said conditions vary widely, with some fields still too wet or cold to work.

In northern areas, including the northwest, recent snowstorms have further delayed fieldwork.

“There’s no oilseeds in, like canola or sunflowers, as of yet. Soil temperatures are just too cool,” he said.

Producers are watching the forecast closely, with hopes that warmer temperatures will allow for more widespread seeding in the coming days.

Lange added some areas could also benefit from rainfall to help draw frost out of the ground and improve soil conditions.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Pattison Media

Cool weather slows Manitoba seeding

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