Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
July 9, 2019 |

Northwest Region

Generally, good growing conditions continued in the Northwest region last week. Daytime temperatures were close to 30°C, and welcome rain showers fell through most of the region. Rainfall amounts ranged from 9 mm in the Dauphin/Ste. Rose area; Bowsman area 36-75mm; Swan River/Grandview and Laurier 25mm and around The Pas 13 mm. These showers have helped crops to advance, however, the driest parts of the region received the least amount of rain and crops in those areas are showing the effects of lack of moisture. Soil moisture conditions around Dauphin/Ste. Rose area continue to be short; Swan River and Roblin areas are 90% adequate, soils in The Pas are 100% adequate.

There was good progress on the growth of the crop in the region in areas with adequate precipitation while areas with limited moisture are showing symptoms of drought stress. The canola crop advanced this week with 75% of the crop flowering; the later seeded canola is now bolting. Approximately 80 to 90% of spring cereals are heading out. Field peas in the region are in the vegetative stage with 40% of the crop flowering. Soybeans are beginning to flower (R1 stage).

Diamondback moth larvae are actively feeding in some canola fields around Swan River and producers are encouraged to scout their fields for these pests. Thistle caterpillars have been observed in soybeans and although most are nearly past the larval stage, smaller larvae are still in field and continue to feed. Bertha Armyworm moths are showing up in traps throughout the region. While still at “low risk”, numbers are nearing the “uncertain” range in both Bowsman and Ste. Rose areas.

Generally, crops in the Northwest region are rated as average although drier parts of the region are rating crops as below average. Haying has started throughout the Northwest, with yields 50% of normal. Grasshoppers and Alfalfa Weevil are present on many pastures or alfalfa fields.

Continued dry conditions exist throughout much of the region, heightening the need for moisture for continued growth on pastures and hope for an improved second cut of alfalfa. Without desperately needed rainfall pasture, growth will be minimal to none in the next few weeks. Dugouts are being reported to be 40 to 50% of capacity with up to 70% in the northern part of the Northwest region. Many cattle herds have been moved to hay fields and some annual crops for grazing. Silage yields are still looking favorable at this point.