The AgriPost
May 30, 2025
2025 AgriStability Deadline Extended
Red River Roller Coaster: Weather Swings Challenge Crops and Farmers Alike By Harry Siemens Brunel Sabourin, co-founder of Antara Agronomy in St. Jean-Baptiste, MB, has seen plenty of Prairie seasons, but this spring’s wild temperature swings brought new challenges for farmers in the Red River Valley. “We had record heat, then 48 hours later we’re near freezing,” Sabourin said. “That’s a 40-degree shift, and it’s hard on the crops, especially seedlings that haven’t hardened off yet.” Despite the erratic weather, producers made strong planting progress. Sabourin estimates seeding is 90% complete or better. However, concerns are growing about the impacts of wind damage, excess moisture, and rapid temperature shifts. Sabourin said some areas received over an inch of rain; others received as much as three inches. Most of the rain was welcome, but the high winds beforehand damaged young plants. Some canola was sheared off or buried, and growers had to top up seed ahead of the rainfall. That was just the beginning. Sabourin noted that many fields are now showing stress.
As spring moved into full gear, agronomists and growers knew it was gotime. Precision seeding sets the stage for strong yields, where seed depth, spacing, and soil temperature all play key roles in crop success. Submitted photo
“There’s rough-looking corn out there. It took a hit from the wind, then the cold, and even the moisture played a role. We’re waiting on warmer weather to see how much damage,” he said. Cold-weather injury in corn is a particular worry. “It’s called imbibitional chilling injury. If the first water the seed absorbs is too cold, it can hurt germination. You might see corkscrewed growth or seed that never emerges,” said Sabourin. Field crusting—hard, compacted soil caused by rain pounding down just after seeding adds to the list of worries. “If the crop can’t push through that crust, we might have to reseed some spots,” Sabourin said.
For now, the key is sunshine and patience. “We need a few good days to kick-start growth again. Everything is slow right now because it’s just been too cold,” he said. “Even the weeds are taking their time to grow.” Despite these challenges, farmers planted most crops on time, and many growers stuck to normal rotations. “There was some delay waiting for the right conditions, but once it got going, it went well. Most cereals are already up,” he said. “Their growing points were still protected underground, so they should be fine.” Questions have come up about herbicide applications made just before the cold snap. “Some growers applied
glyphosate, and then it froze. They’re asking if it will still work,” Sabourin said. “It will—it just takes longer because nothing’s growing fast in this cold.” The key now is vigilance. “Canola emergence might be uneven, especially with drifting soil burying seed too deep,” he noted. “We’ll have to see how the next few days go.” Sabourin encourages farmers to walk their fields and keep checking. “We just need some sun and normal temperatures. Then, we’ll get a clearer picture. But for now, it’s wait and see,” he said. The spring has been anything but boring, he admits. “Your job and mine don’t get dull—because nothing stays the same,” said Sabourin. Even with stress-tested crops and weather whiplash, Sabourin remains optimistic. “Most of the crop went in at the right time,” he said. “We’re still in decent shape as long as we get some warmth now.” For Manitoba farmers riding this roller coaster, the forecast may finally offer some relief—and a chance to see what’s truly sprouting beneath the surface.
The Manitoba government, in co-operation with the government of Canada, has extended the enrolment deadline for the 2025 AgriStability program by three months in response to tariffs in the agriculture sector and to allow producers additional time to enrol in the program as they manage the impact of current market disruptions. AgriStability is a business risk-management program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP) that helps farmers manage income risk by providing financial assistance when their farm business experiences a large margin decline, noted the minister. The deadline was extended from April 30 to July 31 of this year. Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn is encouraging producers to learn more about the business riskmanagement programs available through the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). “These products are excellent tools that allow producers to protect against fluctuating markets and interest rates,” said Kostyshyn. “I encourage all producers to contact their local MASC office and ask which financial management tools will help in making sound production decisions along with which lending and risk-management programs will help safeguard their farm operations and provide long-term success.” Earlier in April, an additional $10 million in matching funds was announced for potential enhancements to the AgriStability program, along with $140.8 million in Budget 2025 for business riskmanagement programming including AgriInsurance, wildlife damage compensation and AgriInvest. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provinciallyterritorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. For more info, visit gov.mb.ca/tariffresponse/ index.html#agricultural-supports.