Large yields keep Manitoba farmers looking to corn

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Published: December 13, 2016

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(Allan Dawson photo)

CNS Canada — Manitoba corn growers saw record yields this year despite an adverse harvest — and that trend of big crops is expected to continue, as varieties improve and more farmers commit to the crop.

“It appears that the trend is headed toward larger (corn) crops,” said Myron Krahn, president of the Manitoba Corn Growers Association. Better varieties were helping yields in the province, he added, while farmers were also getting better at growing the somewhat intensive crop.

Manitoba grew 1.17 million tonnes of corn on 330,000 harvested acres in 2016, according to Statistics Canada data. The acreage and production were both the second largest ever for the province, but average yields of 139.4 bushels per acre far surpassed the previous record and compare with the prior five-year average of 114 bu./ac.

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“There was a period of time during the growing season where it looked like (the corn crop) might not even reach average (yields),” said Krahn.

However, he said, while some fields will be left to overwinter, the end result was better than expected in most cases.

“Long-time growers are putting more corn in, because with the yields we’re getting it’s proving to be profitable,” said Krahn, adding “that’s also enticing new growers to enter the corn business.”

The initial front-end costs for growing corn are high, as specialized equipment is needed, as are grain dryers and extra bin space, he said.

However, those high costs of entering the corn business serve to keep those growers who made the plunge growing corn year after year.

From a pricing standpoint, Krahn said current spot prices in Manitoba of about $3.80 to $4 per bushel are nearing the “tipping point” where some farmers may be looking at other cropping options.

While those prices are still profitable in Manitoba with good yields, he said farmers would rather see $4.50-$5 per bushel.

— Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

About The Author

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Editor - Daily News

Phil Franz-Warkentin grew up on an acreage in southern Manitoba and has reported on agriculture for over 20 years. Based in Winnipeg, his writing has appeared in publications across Canada and internationally. Phil is a trusted voice on the Prairie radio waves providing daily futures market updates. In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing music and making art.

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