Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development May 19, 2015 |

Northwest Region
Parts of the Northwest Region received variable amounts of precipitation over the weekend in the form of rain and/or snow.

Accumulations ranged from zero in The Pas and the Swan Valley to 13 to 51 mm of snow/rain in other parts of the region. The higher amounts of precipitation occurred in the more southern parts of the region. Soil conditions are variable with excessive moisture experienced in some localized pockets and dry conditions in others. Night time temperatures for the region ranged from -2 to -6°C. Extremely strong winds on Sunday resulted in soil blowing from exposed fields. Crop damage from freezing temperatures, wind and excessive moisture is being assessed; the extent of crop injury is not yet known.

Good seeding progress was made throughout the Northwest Region over the past week; seeding is approximately 70% complete. Approximately 90% of the cereal acres are seeded and 25% of those have emerged. Approximately 50% of the canola crop is seeded, with less than 5% of the seeded acres emerged. Seeding progress for other crop types include: 50% of the flax crop, 90% of the field pea crop, 10% of the soybeans and 30% of the corn acres.

Weed growth is general throughout most parts of the region. Flea beetle activity continues in some areas where feeding is evident on volunteer canola plants.

Hay field and pasture growth still remains slow due to cooler temperatures including snow and frost. Cattle on pastures require supplementation of feed. Water sources, such as dugouts and streams, continue to be excellent in supply.