The AgriPost
October 31, 2025
AGRICULTURAL NEWS FOR TODAY’S FARMER. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.
Heavy Mud Bogs Down Harvest in Southeastern Manitoba AAFC Projects Bigger Grain Harvest for 2025 Korey Peters from Randolph says he’s seen many wet fields in his lifetime, but the ones this year are among the wettest—especially in October at harvest time.
By Harry Siemens Farmers across southeastern Manitoba face one of their toughest harvests in recent years as persistent rains and saturated fields slow progress and make every load a challenge. Combines crawl through mud, grain carts get stuck, and equipment cleanup promises to take weeks once the final acres come off. Korey Peters, a farmer from Randolph, MB, said the fields around his area remain as wet as anyone can remember. He and his family still have about half their corn and all their sunflowers to bring in. “We’ve got around 750 acres of corn and 800 acres of sunflowers left,” Peters said. “Corn’s coming off slowly, but it’s a strong crop. It just takes time when it’s this wet.” Many producers across the region echo the same story. Tracks on combines and tractors help, but they’re not a perfect solution.
In an effort to not get bogged down in mud, Korey explained that carts now run only half full, and trucks stay firmly parked on the road to avoid damage.
“Our first corn field hit 170 to 180 bushels an acre,” said Korey Peters. “That’s phenomenal for us. Normally, we’re around 120 or 130 on dryland corn.”
Taking off corn on October 18 in some dryer conditions. That kind of yield makes the fight through the mud worthwhile.
“Tracks make it possible to move,” Peters said, “but we still bury things, especially the grain carts.” Farmers have been limiting cart loads to keep from sinking deeper into the fields. “We don’t fill the carts anymore—just a couple of dumps from the combine, then they head for the trucks,” he said. Truck drivers now stay parked on the road while carts shuttle back and forth, dragging mud behind them. “The carts bring a lot of mud to the road,” Peters said. “When we’re done, we scrape it off or bring shovels along to clean up. It’s not perfect, but there’s no other way right now.” The deep ruts and slick surfaces add hours to every day. Some producers report they can only harvest during the coldest part of the morning when the top layer firms up. In warmer afternoons, machinery sinks faster, and hauling becomes impossible.
Peters farms both heavy clay and sandy ground. “Around home it’s pure clay—sticky gumble that hangs onto everything,” he said. “Once it’s wet, it stays wet. You can’t push through it fast, and you drag a lot of mud everywhere.” His other fields, about twenty miles away, sit on sandy soil that handles water better. “It’s easier there because it doesn’t stick,” he said. “But those fields have peat moss spots, and if you forget where they are, you’ll bury something in a hurry.” Even careful planning doesn’t always prevent trouble. “We had to dig a grain cart out with an excavator once this year,” Peters said. “You just shake your head and carry on.” This kind of harvest demands patience and persistence. Operators must time every move and accept the slower pace. “You just can’t push the
equipment,” Peters said. “When you do, you break things or get stuck deeper.” When told that many older farmers—those who remember keeping machinery spotless—might find tears watching today’s muddy fields, Peters smiled. “Yeah, I can imagine that,” he said. “This year, cleaning the machines after harvest will take weeks.” Despite the difficult conditions, the yield potential brings encouragement. “Our first corn field hit between 170 and 180 bushels an acre,” Peters said. “That’s exceptional for this area. We’re usually around 120 to 130 on dryland corn.” Strong yields and high grain quality have kept spirits up across the region, even as farmers battle through wet weather. The heavy clay that slows progress now may have helped retain soil moisture during dry parts of the summer.
Submitted photos
Continued on Page 2...
By Elmer Heinrichs Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is projecting a larger grain harvest for 2025, estimating total production of all principal field crops to have increased by four per cent compared to last year. According to AAFC’s latest October outlook, the total crop supply rose by three per cent, supported by a notable seven per cent increase in carry-in stocks (beginning-year inventories). This rise helped offset a 34 per cent decline in imports. While supplies were up, carry-out stocks for all principal field crops declined by 19 per cent, driven mainly by stronger export demand. Exports rose by 15 per cent, largely counterbalancing a three per cent decrease in total domestic use. Overall, production levels for major field crops are projected to reach near-record highs — up three per cent from last year and eight per cent above the previous five-year average. In Western Canada, total production is estimated to have climbed by four per cent, surpassing the region’s five-year average by about 10 per cent. Across the Prairies, the grain harvest is nearing completion, while soybean harvests are progressing well and corn harvest operations are just getting underway in Eastern Canada. Despite the strong production outlook, AAFC expects prices for most principal field crops to decline in the months ahead, reflecting abundant global supplies and lower international market values.
1