Manitoba corn producers saw some big yields in 2016, despite some challenging growing conditions.

That was the message from Manitoba Corn Growers Association President Myron Krahn at last week's annual general meeting held at CropConnect.

He noted producers are concerned about the soil moisture conditions heading into this upcoming planting season.

"It's definitely a concern for sure because there's already been producers talking to their seed dealers just about that exact fact," said Krahn. "It's on farmers minds, as the organization it's on our mind as well as we're budgeting and preparing for next year. You always have to bear in mind that corn is a crop that does not always get seeded the way it's supposed to. Acres get trimmed back."

Krahn's expecting that grain corn acres could increase between 10 and 20 per cent this year.

Changes to the board of directors this year will see Richard Dureault from the Fannystelle area join the group, while the terms of Dustin Krahn and Trevor Wytinck have expired. Myron Krahn and Leonard Wiebe terms had also come to end but they let their names stand for another term. A reorganizational meeting will be held in the near future.

Pam de Rocquigny has also come on board as the group's new general manager, with the upcoming retirement of Theresa Bergsma. De Rocquigny will share the position jointly with the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association.