Laura Telford with Manitoba Agriculture says organic growers may some make alterations to their spring seeding plans. Photo: iStock/Getty Images
Originally published March 1, 2024 on OrganicBiz
By Glen Hallick
With much of the Canadian Prairies mired in dry conditions, exacerbated by this winter’s lack of snow, organic grain farmers could adjust their plans for spring planting, according to some in the industry.
Most of the Prairies were either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought, according to the Canadian Drought Monitor as of Jan. 31. The latest long range outlook from Environment and Climate Change Canada, issued Feb. 28, called for above normal temperatures for the rest of spring.
Laura Telford, organic sector development specialist for Manitoba Agriculture said organic farmers could make some alterations to their spring seeding plans.
“There are crops that will do better in a low water situation. The one that jumps to top of mind would be lentils,” she stated.
With Saskatchewan poised to have an outbreak of grasshoppers in 2024, Telford suggested this would be a good opportunity for Manitoba organic farmers to plant more lentils.
I think there will be some transition back to the conventional. – Dunling Wang
Dunling Wang, provincial specialist, alternative crops assistance for Saskatchewan Agriculture said agronomists there are expecting another bad year for grasshoppers, adding to the infestation in 2023. He said that will have a detrimental affect on the number of organic farmers in the province.
“I think there will be some transition back to the conventional,” he commented, noting it’s much more difficult for organic farmers to deal with grasshoppers, drought and other issues such as increased weed pressure. He estimated 100 organic farmers switched back to conventional crops between 2020 and 2023.
Meanwhile, representatives with organic grain companies on the Prairies stated they believe farmers might tweak their seeding plans, but most producers will wait until closer to spring as to better judge soil conditions.
“For the most part you have to assume everything is going to be good. Maybe they will try something different, but I don’t think it’s going to make a difference in volumes and planted acres,” independent broker Marc Valois commented, noting there could be more lentils and flax seeded on the Prairies this year.
Jason Breault of RW Organic Ltd. said some farmers are thinking about what to plant at this time, but their final decisions would be made closer to spring.
Whereas Jason Charles of Charles Commodity Consulting said more wheat and yellow peas could be planted, while feed grains and oats “take a backseat.”
Dwayne Lee of Growers International Organic Sales Inc. (GIOSI) commented farmers will look at the soil conditions and plant accordingly but will otherwise stick with their crop rotations.
No matter what happens, the consumer demand has always been there. Now we are starting to see signs that its weakening. – Laura Telford
As for organic grain prices, all agreed that sharp price declines in the conventional grains have pushed those for organic grains lower, with Telford pointing out that end user demand is down as well.
“That has almost never happened in organics. No matter what happens, the consumer demand has always been there. Now we are starting to see signs that its weakening,” she said, citing a report from the United States Department of Agriculture that adjusted prices for inflation.
Following the Jan. 21 fire that destroyed the F.W. Cobs grain elevator in Loreburn, Sask., a company spokesperson said they plan to remain in the area.
Located in central Saskatchewan, Loreburn is about 190 kilometers northwest of Regina.
“We are not going anywhere,” stated F.W. Cobs grain buyer Pete Manahan. “We are still going to market their grain for them. We appreciate all the support they have given us through the years, and we will be there for them.”
Manahan said F.W. Cobs has yet to decide to rebuild their Loreburn location or acquire a nearby facility. Loreburn was the Vermont-based company’s sole Canadian elevator. He added they are continuing to work with its insurer, and that RW Organic Ltd. in Mossbank, Sask. is letting them use their facilities. The cause of the blaze has yet to be determine, he added.