Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development June 20, 2016 |

Northwest Region

There was thunderstorm activity throughout most of the Northwest Region over the past week with extreme variation in total rainfall amounts. Reported rainfall amounts range from as little as 0 to 3 mm in the Roblin area to over 100 mm in The Pas. Soil conditions throughout the region are also variable, ranging from adequate in many parts to excessive in some parts of Swan Valley, The Pas and south of Ste Rose. Some crops in these areas are beginning to show effects of excess moisture with low spots drowned out and crop yellowing occurring. Generally, most field crops throughout the region continue to advance nicely and are in good to excellent condition, with the exception of those crops in localized areas struggling to recover from excessive moisture.

With regards to crop staging, most wheat is headed and in or past the flowering stage. Canola progressed rapidly over the week. Approximately 10% of the canola in the region is bolting and 90% of the canola is flowering. Pods have begun to develop. Field peas are also advancing rapidly. Reports indicate about 50% of the field peas acres are blooming and 50% are beginning to develop pods. Sixty percent of the soybeans are in the vegetative stage of growth with about 40% in flower.

Fungicide applications to canola crops for the prevention of disease are nearing completion. Reports of insect and disease damage continue to be minimal.

Producers are continuing to put up first cut hay; however, baling progress is slow due to frequent rains and high humidity. Putting up dry hay is a challenge, thus some fields have been baled at higher moistures then recommended. Hay quality is deteriorating in fields that are cut and where swaths have been rained on several times. Forage fields are maturing and delayed harvest will also impact quality. More producers are considering harvesting alfalfa grass fields as silage. First cut silage yields varying from 2.5 tons per acre on poor stands to as high as 7.5 tons per acre on newly seeded fields. Pastures are responding well to frequent rainfalls and are in good condition. Livestock water supply is adequate.