Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
July 9, 2018 |

Northwest Region

This past week was variable; heavy rain mid-week along with hot humid conditions, more rain fell towards the end of the week and there were high winds on the weekend. Swan River area received 40 to 50 mm, The Pas 70 mm, Roblin 56 mm, around Dauphin 14 mm, and McCreary 30 mm. There is water in low-lying areas and there are saturated fields in many parts of the region, although more rain is still needed north of Ste. Rose.

Winter wheat is in the milk stage. Spring wheat is 75 to 80% flowering, with the remainder in the stem elongation stage. Canola is 70 to 90% flowering with 10 to 15% starting to pod. Some of the later seeded canola is bolting. Soybeans are starting to flower. Lentils and peas are flowering with the peas developing pods. Throughout the region the crop is generally rated as good with the exception being areas where there is excess water ponding.

Fusarium head blight risk for the entire region is rated as extreme and fungicide applications are taking place as conditions allow. Fungicide applications are also occurring on other crops as they reach the appropriate stage and as weather and field conditions allow. Bertha Armyworm moth trap counts continue to climb in areas of the region with one trap in the Benito area reaching an “uncertain risk” rating.

Haying operations are underway with many fields to be baled this week. Early reports indicate older forage stands are yielding less than average with newer stands yielding average. Alfalfa grass silage has been yielding approximately 5 tons/acre. Producers that harvested hay a few weeks ago in hopes of a better second cut have been pleased with the regrowth. Pastures remain in decent condition, with the exception of areas north of Ste. Rose where dry conditions remain.