Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Teams & Crops Knowledge Centre
October 9, 2012 |
Northwest Region
Below average temperatures and variable rains are reported in the Northwest Region. With a prolonged fall period of dry and favourable seasonal conditions, harvest is complete in all areas.
Average yield of hard red spring was approximately 40 bu/acre with 40% of the crop grading 1CW. Oats averaged 80 bu/acre with 60% grading 2CW. Average barley yield was 50 bu/acre with 75% grading 2CW. Heat and moisture stress contributed to light weights in barley and oats. In general, low incidence of fusarium, ergot and wheat midge was reported.
Canola graded 90% 1CAN with yields averaging 23 bu/acre. Canola yields and quality were impacted by heat stress, higher incidence of asters yellows, and a variety of insect pest problems including Bertha armyworm, flea beetles and lygus bugs.
Coincidental with a significant area acreage increase, soybean average yields ranged above 45 bu/acre with very good quality.
Hemp yields are 800 to 1100 lbs/acre; seed size and quality is very good.
Area production and quality of all crops are higher in the southern sector and reflect more favourable seasonal growing conditions, as compared to the area from Ethelbert to The Pas where season long precipitation has been significantly higher than normal. Yields of many crops were reduced where excess spring moisture resulted in drown-outs, poor root development and nutrient losses.
Winter wheat and fall rye seeded acres have decreased by at least 20% from last year due to dry soil conditions. Plant emergence to date is somewhat uneven.
Surface soil conditions are dry and soil temperatures remain high. The recent rain and falling soil temperatures have not been sufficient to initiate general fall fertilizing application activities. Supplies are in position and as soil conditions improve, applications are expected. Other fall field work, weed control, straw baling and hauling is completed.
Silaging of corn and late seeded green feed is completed, with average to above average quality and yields. Winter feed supplies are adequate for the region. With excellent cereal harvest conditions, straw supplies are adequate and of good quality. Localized forage shortages exist where excess spring moisture events and previous years flood impacted tame and native hay lands exist, adjacent to Lake Manitoba, Dauphin and Winnipegosis.
Currently, livestock feeding is slightly higher than last year due to pastures being impacted by lack of fall moisture limiting forage growth, in addition to the areas with previous flood impacted pasture and forage production. Dugout water supplies are mostly adequate; however, the extended dry period has reduced availability to a degree.