Have you ever driven across the prairies and wondered about the story behind the fields you see? For farmers, knowing what’s growing where is more than just curiosity—it’s a data-driven decision.
This guide breaks down the main crops in Manitoba for 2024. We’ll look at acreage stats, regional trends, and how that info can help you plan your own planting and storage strategy.
You’ll get a clear acreage table, quick notes on each major crop, regional tips, and a checklist of action items to help you make the best choices for your own fields.
Manitoba’s crop choices are shaped by its unique geography. The province features a shorter growing season with typical frost dates influencing seeding and harvest timing. Rich, black soil in the Red River Valley supports demanding crops, while lighter soils elsewhere are suited to others. Rainfall is variable, with irrigation being less common than in other prairie regions.
Manitoba is a powerhouse in Canadian farming, exporting a huge amount of the country’s oilseeds and grains. This leading role is made possible by its unique geography. The climate and soil factors naturally steer farmers toward oilseeds like canola, small grains such as wheat, and various pulses and feed crops. As one of Canada’s top canola producers, the province’s output has a major impact on the market.
| Crop | Seeded Area in Acres | Short Use |
|---|---|---|
| Canola | 3,336,200 | Oil, Meal |
| All wheat | 3,250,000 | Food, Feed |
| Spring wheat | 3,183,000 | Food, Feed |
| Soybeans | 1,425,700 | Oil, Meal, Food |
| Tame hay | 1,312,100 | Livestock Feed |
| Oats | 522,700 | Food, Feed |
| Corn | 504,600 | Feed, Ethanol |
| Barley | 311,200 | Feed, Malt |
| Dry peas | 191,400 | Food, Feed |
| Dry beans | 187,400 | Food |
| Fodder corn | 138,400 | Livestock Feed |
| Rye | 77,300 | Food, Feed, Cover |
| Sunflower seed | 44,900 | Oil, Food |
| Flaxseed | 40,300 | Oil, Food, Fibre |
| Winter wheat | 32,800 | Food, Feed |
Seeded area in acres, 2024. Source: Manitoba Agriculture
Here’s a closer look at what these numbers mean for the top crops.
The data shows that canola and wheat remain the undisputed kings, together accounting for over 6.5 million acres. However, the real story is the continued strength of soybeans and corn. Soybean acres are holding strong over 1.4 million, confirming their spot as the #3 cash crop. This trend reflects strong market prices and the availability of shorter-season varieties. The significant acreage for these crops in Manitoba underlines their importance to the local agricultural economy.
Beyond the major commodities, many farmers grow specialty crops that offer unique economic or agronomic advantages.
These specialty crops allow farmers to diversify their rotations, manage risk, and tap into new markets.
Crop selection often comes down to your specific location in the province.
When planning your fields for the season, comparing your options with real-world numbers can clarify your decision. The table below shows a simplified cost-benefit snapshot for three major crops.
| Crop | Est. Input Cost/Acre | Est. Gross Revenue/Acre (at target yield/price) | Key Variable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canola | $350 – $450 | $600 – $750 | Global oilseed prices |
| Soybeans | $250 – $350 | $500 – $650 | Local crusher demand |
| Wheat | $280 – $380 | $450 – $600 | Protein premiums |
Beyond straight numbers, a simple checklist can help ensure you’ve covered all your bases. Ask yourself:
For rotation, always consider the previous crop to minimize disease and pest carryover. For equipment, ensure your seeder and combine are ready for the specific crops you choose. And for markets, it’s wise to lock in contracts for specialty crops before you plant. You might also consider trying a new specialty crop on a small pilot strip first, but only when you have a firm contract with a buyer.
Your work isn’t done at harvest—storing your crop properly is key to protecting its quality and your profit margin. Different crops have vastly different storage requirements.
| Crop | Primary Storage Concern | Recommended Approach | Common Downgrade Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canola | High oil content, risk of heating | Target <8% moisture, requires consistent aeration. | Heated / Bin-burnt |
| Wheat | Moisture and temperature | Target <14.5% moisture, monitor for insects. | Fusarium / Vomitoxin |
| Soybeans | Fragile seed coat, risk of splits | Handle gently, target <13% moisture. | Splits / Stained |
| Corn | High moisture at harvest | Requires significant drying, target 14-15.5% moisture. | Stress cracks, Mold |
| Pulses | Prone to cracking and splits | Gentle handling, store at <14% moisture. | Cracks, Earth tag |
Your choice of bin also plays a crucial role:
After harvest, always monitor bin temperatures and check for hotspots. Ensure timely drying to prevent spoilage and lock in quality.
For help sizing your system for the crops you grow, explore our farm planning and design resources.
Making smart decisions about the crops you grow in Manitoba is key to a successful season.
Making sure your bins and handling equipment match your crop mix is a critical part of that evaluation. If you need tailored help planning your grain storage or handling system for the crops you grow, our team is ready to help.
Manitoba’s crop mix will always evolve with markets and weather, but a well-planned grain handling system will pay off when it comes to your farm’s profit margin. If you’re looking to improve your grain handling system in Manitoba or beyond, request a quote today to get started.