Cereal producers optimistic about 2022 growing season

After one of the snowiest winters ever, many producers across the Central Plains and around the province of Manitoba, are optimistic going into this year's growing season.

Robert Misko is the Chair of the Manitoba Crop Alliance’s Wheat and Barley committee and says those crops could do quite well in 2022.

"I think, on the moisture side, it's encouraging. I mean, snow has never made a crop, and it probably never will, because it melts, but it's definitely a good sign that we seem to be in a moisture cycle. We can see, at least, when they say it's going to snow, it snows. So, I think there's a lot of optimism," says Misko. "There should be good moisture to get the crop started this spring. We're still going to need some timely rains because the reserves are right down."

Many producers dealt with drought conditions in 2021, with many rural communities declaring states of agricultural disaster. The Canadian Drought Monitor said 99 per cent of the Prairies was classified as a drought scene. For 2022, the more than 156 centimetres of snow has been encouraging, but it's not the only thing on the minds of farmers.

"I think, farmers in general, are always optimistic. I think there's always that hope for the next crop," says Misko. "With this year, it's not only the moisture. Now, we've got some new developments between fertilizer prices going up -- Russia invading Ukraine is affecting prices -- but it's affecting fuel. It's affecting fertilizer availability. I think there's some farmers out there that are bit concerned if they're even going to get their fertilizer for this spring. I think, in general, that optimism is out there, but there's still a lot of concerns."

Misko says some producers have locked in a price for their fertilizer while others are waiting it out, hoping the prices will drop. He adds, there is some concern about the delivery of fertilizer, but that's also been the case other years, and suppliers have been able to make it work. In regards to pricing, he says the situation overseas is very unfortunate, but opportunities for western Canadian producers may come as a result. However, some producers had issues meeting contracts in 2021 due to the crop coming up short. All in all, he says optimism is out there and there are signs this year's crop will be profitable, but there are potential roadblocks which can make it difficult.