While the May Long Weekend is the ideal deadline for seeding flax, one agronomist says that Manitoba farmers should be fine if they get the crop in the ground before the start of June.

Rachel Evans of the Flax Council of Canada has some advice for growers planning to seed flax over the next week or so.

"Because flax is small seeded, it's really important to seed shallow. We know that there's adequate moisture in those upper soil layers to germinate those seeds and so seeding shallow will allow that plant to really pop out of the ground quickly."

Evans says it's also important to tackle any weed issues early, as flax does not compete well with weeds.

She notes producers should be cautious when checking fan speeds, as flax seeds are prone to cracking which can have an adverse effect on germination among other issues.

Statistics Canada is estimating to see about 80,000 acres of flax seeded in Manitoba this year, down about six per cent from last year.