Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture September 12, 2016 |

Northwest Region
Cool, wet weather throughout the week impacted harvest operations in the Northwest Region. General rain in The Pas area resulted in 50 mm of rain and wet conditions. There were scattered showers and unsettled weather into the weekend in the Dauphin area as well. These spotty showers kept harvest progress minimal and very much location specific. Roblin area was much the same with showers over the weekend and up to 25 mm of rain in some areas. Swan River received 17 to 25 mm of rain on Wednesday but by the weekend harvest resumed. Showers on Sunday evening again halted harvest operations. 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 good to fair condition. Cooler temperatures and heavy morning dews also reduced the available harvest time window.

Crops are advancing with the spring wheat crops 90 to 95% mature and harvest operations occurring, as weather permits, throughout the region. The red spring wheat harvest is wrapping up in the Swan River and Dauphin areas, 30% in Roblin and 60% in The Pas. Much of the grain combined over the last week has required drying. Yields are variable ranging from 50 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 10% of the oats in the Swan Valley is combined and 50% swathed, while 30% is combined in the Roblin area.

Canola continues to develop with most canola in the region mature and much of it swathed. Some straight combining has occurred around the Dauphin area. In Swan Valley 20% of the canola is combined, 90% is swathed in the Roblin area and 75 to 80% is swathed in The Pas area. Field pea harvest operations are generally complete. Some post-harvest fieldwork has taken place, dependant on time and weather conditions.

Late seeded cereals were chopped for silage last week. If weather allows, additional greenfeed will be harvested this week. Putting up native hay remains a challenge due to excess moisture. Some producers waiting until after a killing frost to take second cut alfalfa hay off. Corn silage harvest remains a week to two weeks away. Pastures are in decent condition for this time year.