Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
June 29, 2021 |

Northwest Region

There were scattered isolated showers through the Northwest region last week. With the exception of pockets in the region, as well as Roblin and The Pas areas where 13mm fell, there were no significant accumulations. Daytime temperatures were over 25°C, however nighttime temperatures were cool and dropped to single digits. Strong winds continued to be an issue through this week, causing stress and damage to crops, blowing fields and posing challenges to pesticide applications.

Soil moisture conditions have deteriorated further this week and are a continued concern.

Spring cereals across the region are mostly in the flag leaf stage with heads emerging in the earlier seeded fields. Cereals are rated at 80% in good condition, as they have been better able to withstand the challenging spring conditions. Yield potential of the cereal crop is still positive. Winter wheat and fall rye are heading out in the Roblin area. There are winter wheat fields in the Dauphin area already starting to turn colour.

The pea crop is starting to flower and it is shorter than average due to dry conditions, but crop density remains high. The forecasted extreme heat during flowering is a potential issue.

Canola across the region is in various stages and generally is in poor to fair condition as it is showing the effects of insect feeding, dry conditions, spring frost and wind. Most of the canola is in the late rosette stage and starting to bolt. The exception are those fields that were reseeded or seeded late and these fields are in the seedling/early rosette stage. Flea beetle feeding, dry conditions and cutworm damage is becoming more noticeable as the season progresses.

Herbicide and fungicide applications continue as correct crop stage is reached and conditions allow. The continuous strong winds and intermittent showers across the region have made spraying a challenge.

Bertha armyworm monitoring continues across the region; cumulative trap count numbers remain low. Damage from flea beetle feeding is becoming more apparent with bare spots in fields. Grasshopper feeding is a concern on pastures and cereals.

Alfalfa crops are progressing rapidly with most fields in the early bloom stage. Alfalfa silage and first cut hay harvest has begun on the eastern side of the Dauphin area. Yields are expected to be lower due to dry conditions. Grasshoppers continue to be a problem. Pastures are holding out however require more moisture to continue growth. Water supplies are low. Corn silage crops are also growing rapidly with the heat and moisture that was received to date throughout the area.