Manitoba Farmers Weathered a Wild 2026 Growing Season

Manitoba producers faced one of the most unpredictable growing seasons in recent memory, dealing with everything from spring frosts and summer heat waves to flooding rains and damaging windstorms.

From Frost to Heat

The season got off to a slow start as below-normal temperatures in April and early May delayed seeding across much of the province. Overnight temperatures dipped below freezing into mid-May before conditions flipped dramatically.

A late-May heat wave pushed temperatures to summer-like levels, with Ste. Rose du Lac reaching 37 C on May 28. Hot weather persisted through much of July, with several communities setting new temperature records.

Flooding Rains and Damaging Winds

While temperatures swung from one extreme to another, precipitation created its own set of challenges.

After a relatively dry May, heavy rains triggered flooding in parts of the Northwest and Interlake regions. Stonewall recorded an astounding 234 millimetres of rain in a 24-hour period, while Deloraine received 84 millimetres in a single hour. Flooded fields, washed-out roads and soil erosion followed in many areas.

Strong winds also caused significant damage. A major storm on May 14 produced wind speeds above 100 km/h at multiple weather stations, generating dust storms and severe soil erosion across southern Manitoba.

Harvest Delays, But Strong Yields

Despite the difficult conditions, Manitoba farmers produced generally solid crops. Most cereal, pea and canola yields came in at average to above-average levels, though wet fall conditions delayed harvest and reduced grain quality in some areas through sprouting and weather damage.

Provincial harvest progress reached 94 per cent by October 27.

In southwest Manitoba, a cool, wet spring and soggy fall complicated fieldwork, but adequate moisture and warm summer temperatures helped support strong yields for wheat, barley, peas, canola and soybeans.

While the 2026 season tested producers at nearly every stage, the province’s agricultural sector once again demonstrated its resilience in the face of challenging weather.