Manitoba farmers used to seed 500,000 acres of flax but last year they grew less than 90,000.
It was less than what was planted in Alberta — a first for the Prairies.
Flax proponents in Manitoba hope 2015 is the year this persistent decline reverses.
Many people think acreage could hit 150,000.
“When we were looking for (flax) seed this spring, we had to look far and wide to find some,” said Eric Fridfinnson, who farms near Arborg, Man.
“It looks like acres are going to be up.”
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Statistics Canada estimated 145,000 acres in Manitoba in its spring planting intentions survey.
Fridfinnson, chair of the Manitoba Flax Growers Association, plans to seed 700 to 800 acres.
The Statistics Canada number is probable, he added.
“I think that would be great news for the flax processing industry here in Manitoba and a good opportunity for farmers too,” Fridfinnson said.
“We’ll be kind of disappointed if it’s not over 125,000.”
Anastasia Kubinec, Manitoba Agriculture oilseed specialist, said growers who gave up on flax five or 10 years ago because of poor yields may plant flax this spring instead of canola.
High canola input costs are not an issue for all but some farmers are looking for alternatives.
“Some guys who are growing flax or putting peas in this year, they stated that (canola input costs) as one of the reasons.”
Fridfinnson said price is also a consideration.
“A month ago or so, you could lock in fall prices of $12.50 per bushel, which was 20 percent higher than canola.”
Kubinec has for years argued it’s possible to generate flax yields of 30 bu. or more if farmers control weeds, use a fungicide, seed the crop following a cereal and plant before the May long weekend.
Kubinec said she received “piles” of phone calls this winter about flax agronomy.
“Asking me about crop rotation and flax, what weeds are the hard ones to control … and when to use some of those post-seed, pre-emergent products.”
Fridfinnson said flax is a good rotational crop to help prevent the spread of soil-borne disease in other crops.
“Our grandfathers knew it, but with the advent of fungicides and stuff, we thought we could get away with a lot of things,” he said.
“But I think the chickens are coming home to roost. There is no substitute for good agronomy and good crop rotation.”
robert.arnason@producer.com
