The AgriPost
May 26, 2023
Spring Seeding Off to a Great Start in Manitoba
Canada Opens Pathway to Permanent Residency By Elmer Heinrichs
Jason Voogt of Field2 Field Agronomy said farmers might consider doing more burn-offs this year before the crop emerges.
By Harry Siemens Jason Voogt of Field2 Field Agronomy at Carman, MB, said on May 10 that temperatures warming up and staying above zero overnight for about a week, helped with seeding. “That helps a lot because you don’t go backwards now overnight when you get so cold and then have to rebound during the day,” said Voogt. “Now we’re making some progress, some good gains.” Even with warmer temperatures it still is important to get
seed in the ground as early as possible. “I think the big thing is when fields are ready, ensure you get in there and get them seeded properly. Don’t rush things,” he said. “If things are too wet yet, give it some time.” Seeding depths have become essential for good seed placement, germination, and a fast start. Voogt encouraged farmers to watch their seeding depths, getting seeds into moist
soils. “I think we can pretty much-put seed in at normal depths, but not to assume that because there’s good moisture there. We should seed everything shallow because there are certain crops like corn, in that two, two and a half inches just because it has to be for the physiological development of that corn,” Voogt said. Seed depth is not only a moisture issue; he said it’s more about the proper depth
Submitted photo
because the moisture levels could change to dry. “With good heat for several weeks and adequate moisture, farmers should be on the lookout for weeds,” said Voogt. “Unfortunately, with more heat, many weeds are starting to come outside the volunteer canola.” Farmers may also consider doing more burn-offs this year before the crop emerges he commented. Voogt said some clients may Continued on Page 3...
The federal government is expanding a pilot project it launched during the pandemic to offer temporary workers in the agriculture and food sector a pathway to permanent residency. Family members of workers who make it into the program will be given open work permits so they can earn a living while they’re in Canada. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser said the project will keep operating until 2025. “Our farmers and food processors depend on the steady arrival of foreign workers so that planting, harvesting and food processing activities can take place throughout the year, and they need our continued support to attract and retain these talented workers. Extending the Agri-Food Pilot helps these sectors find the employees they need, so we can be confident that our food security, economy and living standards for Canadians across the country will continue to improve and grow,” sad Fraser. He said the agricultural sector is struggling with labour shortages that could hurt Canada’s food security if they aren’t addressed. The extended pilot program is specifically designed to address labour shortages in meat and food product processing, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers, greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production, general farm workers and harvesting labourers. A total of 2,750 principal applicants can be processed under the pilot program annually.