One expert is predicting the COVID-19 pandemic won't put much of a dent in Manitoba's estimated $6 billion in annual agricultural exports.

The Manitoba government is launching a study to find and test ways to protect commercial livestock animals from predators. 

Manitoba Agriculture says it needs to better understand why producers make the decisions they do when buying forage insurance, so it is launching a review.

Approximately 12,000 acres of potatoes were left unharvested this year – around 18 per cent of Manitoba's harvest.

Winter's icy fingers have touched most of the Prairies since late September, causing havoc and frustration for many farmers trying to get crops off their fields.

The late summer storms that brought heavy rains to much of the province last week have many Manitoba farmers fearing the worst.

The Canadian Crop Hail Association says more than 10,000 damage claims have been received by its member companies so far this season.

Although some Manitoba farmers will be waiting a few more weeks before harvest starts for their crops, ag reporter Harry Siemens said he's encouraged by what he's seen in rural Manitoba over the past few days.

Manitoba beekeepers are feeling the affects of a cold winter season, and that could in turn have an affect on local crops.

"Conditions have been dry throughout the province," said Anne Kirk with Manitoba Agriculture.