Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development May 9, 2016 |

Northwest Region
The Northwest Region experienced hot, dry, windy weather conditions over the past week.

Generally, soil moisture is adequate in most parts, although there are some well drained sandy soils that are drier. Soil temperatures range between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius.

Field operations are progressing rapidly throughout most of the region. Field activity includes harrowing, fertilizer applications, pre-seed herbicide applications and seeding wheat, field peas, fababeans and some canola.

Overall, seeding is approximately 35% complete in the Northwest Region; 75% of the wheat crop is seeded while seeding of other crop types such as peas and fababeans is just underway. Many producers are holding off seeding soybeans and canola until after the middle of the month.

Weed growth including mostly stinkweed, dandelions and wild oats is general throughout the area. Volunteer plants including cereals and canola are evident in many fields. There is minimal insect activity to date.

Last week’s warm temperatures brought on forage growth with grasses in the 2 to 4 leaf stage and alfalfa at 6 to 11 cm tall. Rain forecasted for this week would further benefit forage growth and production. Seeding of corn silage has started.