Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture September 5, 2016 |

Northwest Region
Warm temperatures along with ideal drying weather throughout the week allowed for good progress on harvest operations in the Northwest Region.

Scattered showers with approximately 10 mm of rain occurred in various parts of the region over Monday night and brought harvest to a temporary halt. Soil moisture conditions are generally adequate throughout the region with some fields in Dauphin and The Pas area challenged by wet soil moisture conditions. With the exception of crops in those areas impacted by too much moisture, most field crops throughout the region continue to mature and are in relatively good to excellent condition.

Crops are advancing with the spring wheat crops 85 to 90% mature and harvest operations well underway throughout the region. Roughly 75% of the red spring wheat crop is harvested in the Swan River area, 30% in Roblin and 60% in The Pas. Yields are variable ranging from 55 to 70 bu/acre. The majority of the barley is standing with the exception of the Roblin area where approximately 30% of the barley acres are combined. Approximately 50% of the oats in the Swan Valley and Roblin areas are swathed with 10 to 30% combined.

Canola continues to develop; most canola in the region is mature with about 15% combined in the Swan Valley, 90% swathed in the Roblin area and 75% swathed in The Pas area. Field pea harvest operations are generally complete. For those areas of the region with soybeans, 95% of the acres are at the R8, (brown pod) stage. Excellent growth and yield potential being noted in corn silage fields. Harvest will be two to three weeks away with corn currently at the soft dough to early dent stage.

Some post-harvest fieldwork has taken place, dependant on time and weather conditions.

Feed harvesting continues with some second cut alfalfa put up as silage last week. As well, cereal straw is baled and hauled back to yards. Current wet weather will slow chopping of remaining late seeded cereals. Producers are still struggling to harvest native hay due to wet conditions. Feed tests results are variable, ranging from very poor feed value with high mould counts to above average quality. Pasture growth is slowing down but still good for this time of year.