Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development June 1, 2015 |

Northwest Region

There were a few scattered showers throughout the Northwest Region mid-week, with some localized areas received up to 3 mm of rain. Day time temperatures were hot at the start of the week and cool over the weekend. Most districts of the region received frost over the weekend. The areas that appear to be hardest hit by frost were the Roblin, Gilbert Plains and Swan River areas. Some parts of the Swan Valley received frost on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. The lowest temperatures occurred in the Swan Valley with temperatures as cold as -10oC reported by some producers in the southern part of that district. Crop damage caused by freezing temperatures is being assessed and reseeding operations have begun in some cases. The severity of the frost damage and the total number of acres affected is not yet known.

Good seeding progress was made throughout the Northwest Region with progress at approximately 99% complete. Approximately 99% of the cereal acres are planted and 95% of those have emerged. About 99% of the canola crop is seeded with approximately 60% emerged. Both flax and field pea acres are at least 95% planted with emergence around 70%. For soybeans, 95% of acres are planted, along with 90% of the corn acres.

Weed growth is general and timely herbicide applications have begun in all areas of the region excluding The Pas.

Flea beetle activity continues to cause concern in some parts of the region where their feeding is severe on stressed and injured canola plants. Control measures were required in some canola fields in the Swan River district.

The freezing temperatures will impact alfalfa growth. Monitoring will be essential this week to see extent of damage. Pasture growth still remains slow due to cooler temperatures and limited rainfall. Cattle are being moved to pastures due to short feed supply.