Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Teams & Crops Knowledge Centre September 23, 2013 |

Northwest Region

Good harvest conditions continued early in the week in the Northwest Region. However, a widespread weather system throughout the region resulted in 10 to 25 mm of rain and stopped harvest operations. Poor drying conditions of cooler temperatures and cloudy conditions through to Sunday delayed harvest.

Across the region, harvest progress is estimated at 65% complete. Average to above average yields continue to be reported from all sectors: spring wheat 40 to 85 bu/acre, canola 15 to 60 bu/acre, oats 75 to 150 bu/acre, and barley 50 to 100 bu/acre. Lower yields are generally a result of early season excess moisture.

An estimated 50% of canola acres are in swath and 45% is combined. Cereals are 75% combined and 25% is swathed or ready for straight combining. Generally, harvest is less advanced through the northern portion of the region.

Soybeans around the Dauphin and Ste Rose areas are maturing with some fields ready to harvest. Many of the fields through Fork River and Grandview areas are beginning to drop leaves.

Winter wheat and fall rye which was seeded earlier is 2 to 3 leaf stage. Some additional acres were planted late in the week into the recent moisture.

Corn silage operations have begun. Some late harvest continues on native forage lands which continue to become accessible with continued low rainfall amounts. Some forage shortfall exists in the Westlake and The Pas areas; however, surplus straw and forage supplies are available through most of the region. Pasture conditions are declining with maturity and livestock water supplies adequate in all areas.