Minnedosa Tribune
FALL WORK
DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE
Taking advantage of the outstanding fall weather, farmers throughout the area were found in the fields once again over the past week, including this grain producer applying anhydrous ammonia on Friday, Oct. 18 north of Minnedosa, adjacent to Highway 10. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a winter with a “heart of cold”, forecasting big freezes and heavy snowfall in central Canada, but for us hearty Manitobans, that’s nothing out of the ordinary.
Harvest season nearly complete across region
Favourable
fall weather conditions have allowed producers to push harvest to above 95% overall completion
It’s a wrap — harvest season is nearly 100% complete across the region, according to the latest Manitoba Agricultural Crop Report. This year’s favourable conditions have allowed farmers to make considerable progress, push-
ing the average harvest completion rate to approximately 95% overall for all crops across the region; however, for the majority of crops, the harvest is fully completed.
The lack of significant rainfall over recent weeks has provided an ideal environment for farmers to finish – daytime temperatures have been helpful to working in
the fields, while nighttime lows, despite heavy frost in some areas, have not hindered progression significantly. This has allowed producers to move fairly quick through the season, preparing for the next steps in their agricultural cycle.
Farmers are now focusing on post-harvest activities, with many starting the fertilizing process,
Farming is in my blood. My grandparents farmed, my parents farmed, I farm, and now my kids are farming. You keep going.”
harrowing, and tilling. Soil moisture levels are currently favourable, but there is a general hope for some rainfall before the ground freezes, which would ensure seedbed moisture for next year’s planting.
Yield reports have been positive across the board, with farmers satisfied with both the quantity and quality of this year’s har-
vest. As the season wraps up, harvest has been characterized by strong yields, reflecting in the efforts of producers and the cooperative weather patterns experienced this fall.
Looking ahead, farmers are optimistic as they finish a successful year and prepare for next year’s growing season.
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
Minnedosa Tribune