Adapting to Future Weather

The report examines the weather-related stresses faced by farmers in Manitoba, specifically in the southwest corner and around Riding Mountain, between 1999 and 2005. It identifies a prevalence of short-term coping strategies over long-term adaptation due to financial constraints and uncertainty. The findings highlight that while farmers rely on experience and networking, they are hindered by regulations, costs, and the increasing unpredictability of extreme weather events.

• Climate projections for Manitoba indicate warmer average temperatures, particularly in winter, earlier and wetter springs, and drier summers, alongside an increase in weather variability and extreme events such as hailstorms, tornadoes, and intense rainstorms.
• Between 1999 and 2005, farmers in the southwest corner of Manitoba and the Riding Mountain area experienced significant moisture fluctuations, including the worst summer flooding on record for the province in 2005. Excess moisture and heavy rainfall were the most frequently cited concerns, leading to late or missed sowing, increased weeds, and lost yields.
• Regional differences in weather stress were noted: farmers in the southwest were more concerned with drought and dry periods causing feed shortages and insect problems, while those around Riding Mountain were more impacted by frost and cold summer temperatures causing diseased or immature crops.
• Most farmers employ short-term coping strategies—such as maintaining drainage, altering a single season's farm cycle, or making insurance claims—rather than long-term adaptation. This preference is driven by high financial and labour costs for infrastructure and technology, as well as uncertainty regarding whether current weather patterns represent permanent long-term trends.
• Factors aiding adaptation include farmer networking, operational flexibility, and past experience, particularly with drought. Conversely, barriers include drainage regulations, a lack of political will, additional expenses, and conflicts with neighbours over flood-outs caused by upstream drainage.

APA

Myers, P. (2009). Adapting to Future Weather. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/pcr_producer_primer_mb.pdf

Chicago

Myers, Peter. Adapting to Future Weather. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2009. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/pcr_producer_primer_mb.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Myers |first1=Peter |title=Adapting to Future Weather |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=March 2009 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/pcr_producer_primer_mb.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{myers2009adapting, author = {Myers, Peter}, title = {{Adapting to Future Weather}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2009}, month = mar, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/pcr_producer_primer_mb.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }