Manitoba Agriculture
Crop Report
October 25, 2023
Northwest Region
A cool start to the spring, with a mid-April snow storm slowed the start of seeding in some districts. Warm, drying conditions allowed seeding to progress quickly. Seeding started with cereals and field peas, then continued to canola, soybeans and the remainder of the crops. Seeding conditions seemed close to ideal for the most part with the exception of localized storms. Numerous storms brought some extreme precipitation events in short time periods, as well as hail in several areas. Temperatures warmed very quickly for May/June and at end of June most areas received well over the normal percent of GDD. This provided for a nice start for most crops with uniform germination and emergence. July however turned around with cooler than normal temperatures which brought the percent of GDD near normal again. Overnight temperatures dipped below 10 degrees several nights in July. Precipitation across the region was extremely variable. Some areas received above normal rainfall (some in extreme amounts over short time periods). In contrast, some areas struggled for moisture for the entire season. Yield and quality were reflected in these crops that struggled. Adequate snowfall over winter provided for good insulation for winter cereals. Water sources were replenished in early spring, especially in areas that received heavy rainfall amounts with storms. Throughout the season, they became depleted as the percent of normal precipitation decreased. All areas of the Northwest region remain below 100 percent normal precipitation and is reflected in the water source levels.
Spring wheat mostly did well across the region. Approximately 70% graded 1CW; 25% 2CW and 5% as Feed. Average estimated yield was 60-70 bu/acre. There were reports of lower protein in the Dauphin area in crops that were drought stressed through the season.
Field pea harvest went fairly well. Average yields were 35-40 bu/acre with some higher yielding fields going 65-70 bu/acre. 100% of field peas graded as 2 Canada.
Canola crops varied across the region. While most crops were seeded in a timely manner, some were seeded later as well as reseeded crops which provided a range in plant stages. Flea beetle pressure was persistent for the spring and also contributed to some reseeded canola. The later seeding dates led to a range of maturity and a stretched out harvest with approximately 5% of the canola crop yet to be harvested. A wide range in yields across the region with lower yielding fields at 35 to 40 bu/acre and upwards to 65 to 70 bu/acre in higher yielding fields. 95% of the canola graded at 1 Canada with the remainder at 2 Canada. Some of the lower yielding fields saw a large number of aborted pods due to numerous causes.
Winter wheat did fairly well and averaged about 65-75 bu/acre. Fall rye averaged approximately 65 bu/acre.Average yield for barley ranged and was dependant on seasonal precipitation. Higher yielding fields did 70-80 bu/acre while the lower yielding fields reported approximately 35-40 bu/acre. Oats did fairly well for the region and averaged 80-90 bu/acre with some fields yielding down into 60 bu/acre range.
Soybean harvest is nearly complete with some crops remaining to be harvested. Late season rains seemed to provide enough moisture to bump up yields in some areas. Those areas received an average yield of 45 to 50 bu/acre while areas that did not receive timely moisture averaged 35 bu/acre. So far soybeans have all graded as 2 Canada.
There was some flax grown in the region. The average yield was 15-20 bu/acre. Approximately 15% remains to be harvested.
With some harvest being completed early, fields were able to be prepped for seeding of winter cereals. The number of acres seeded into winter cereals this fall is expected to be higher.
Provincial Overview
Harvest progress as of October 24 sits at 96% complete across the province, which is ahead of the 5-year average (90%).
2023 seeding progress on May 16 the first crop report of the season was at 25% compared to the five year average of 63% for week 20. With good seeding conditions producers were able to wrap up seeding (97%) by the second week of June in most regions. Which is on par with the five year average (96%).
Rainfall was variable throughout the growing season and regions that received timely rains saw improved yields. Central region around the Carman, Elm Creek regions saw drier conditions throughout the season and earlier harvested wheat crops saw lower yields in the 30 bu/acre range. This improved in areas with later harvested crops.
Producers are becoming more aware of the need to scout their fields and identify weeds which escaped their control or looked unusual. This is a normal part of integrated weed management, but is becoming more important due to the introduction of waterhemp and palmer amaranth to the province. Waterhemp is now present in twenty rural municipalities (RMs). 2023 saw numerous infestations particularly in the RMs of de Salaberry and Emerson-Franklin.
Fall fertilizer and pre-seed herbicide application has been widespread this fall and has allowed most producers to complete the majority of the fall field work before any significant wet weather.
Climate normals for total accumulated precipitation from May 1 to October 22 range from 296.7 mm to 427.7 mm and are based on 30-year historical data. Total accumulated rainfall remains variable across agro-Manitoba. Much of the Central region’s accumulated precipitation is under 60% compared to the 30-year average.
Soil Moisture 0 – 30 cm shows a regional representation of soil moisture conditions for the top 30 cm on October 22, 2023 relative to field capacity. Soil moisture levels are variable throughout agro-Manitoba with the majority showing optimal to wet conditions. Localized areas are showing dry or very dry conditions relative to field capacity at the 30 cm depth.
Soil Moisture 0 – 120 cm shows a regional representation of soil moisture conditions for the top 120 cm on October 22, 2023 relative to field capacity. The majority of the province is showing optimal to wet conditions to the 120 cm depth. Some areas of the Northwest and a few localized regions are showing dry or very dry conditions.
Percent Normal Accumulated Growing Degree Days represents the variation of accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) from the historical record over a 30-year period from May 1 – October 22, 2023. All locations, have accumulated more than 100% of the 30 –year average since May 1. The majority of agro.
Manitoba has accumulated more than 115% of normal GDD.