Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Teams & Crops Knowledge Centre July 22, 2013 |

Northwest Region

Weather conditions in the Northwest Region consisted mostly of seasonal temperatures, occasional strong winds, moderate humidity levels and several periods of scattered light rain showers and thunderstorms. Accumulations of precipitation ranged from 6 to 33 mm with higher amounts where thunderstorms occurred. Improving field conditions continue with soil moisture generally at adequate levels. Higher surplus moisture conditions still exist around Fork River, The Pas and some flat or poorly drained sectors around Dauphin, Ethelbert, and McCreary.

Crop development, stand consistency and crop conditions are improving but still range from good to fair. Most variability exists in those areas more greatly affected by earlier excess moisture. However, most sectors do have some excellent stands of all crops. Overall, up to 60% of cereals are into early milk stage, with canola at 45% flowering and up to 45% podding. Corn and peas are also showing good development. Approximately 40% of soybeans acres are into R1 and 50% are into advanced vegetative stages. Soybeans in the Ste. Rose area are the most advanced with some excellent stands. A limited amount of late seeded crops have not yet headed or reached bloom stages.

Fungicide applications are mostly complete on the later seeded cereals, canola and soybeans. Not all fields were treated due to timing issues, wet field conditions, and management decisions. Where earlier excess rains and wet fields caused application challenges for producers, weed escapes are evident.

Grasshoppers continue to require control on some younger crops. With the exception of high risk numbers in the San Clara area and parts of the Swan River Valley, bertha armyworm moth trap counts in the remainder of the Northwest Region remain at low risk levels.

Hay harvest has advanced with the more favourable weather and field conditions early in the week. Some weathering and higher humidity delayed drying times and affected quality. Overall, approximately 30 to 40% of tame forages remain standing and 25 to 35% is baled. Northwest Region hay yields and quality are average or below average. Pastures and native hay lands in the Westlake sector continue to improve from previous surplus moisture conditions. Dugout water levels are full in all areas.