Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture May 1, 2017 |

Northwest Region
Cool temperatures through the week, especially overnight, slowed the start of spring operations. Soil moisture is rated as adequate to good with fields drying throughout the areas of Roblin, Dauphin and Ste Rose. There is some ponding of water in low lying areas in Swan River and fields in The Pas remain somewhat wet. Temperatures warmed slowly by the weekend with light showers on Sunday through the northern parts of the region. Snow remains in some treed areas, along ditches and fence lines.

Field operations have just begun in some fields in the southern part of the region, including harrowing, pre-seed burnoff applications as well as fertilizer application. Some seeding has begun in the Roblin area with the expectation that it will be in full swing later this week with favourable weather conditions forecasted. Some winter annuals are actively growing however generally weed and volunteer crop growth is negligible.

As a result of cool temperatures, forage growth has not yet begun. Fertilizer application is occurring on hay and pasture land. Forecasted warmer temperatures this week will be of benefit to hay fields and pastures. There are areas with excess moisture but many of them are the same areas that tend to have that situation this time of year.
Livestock water supplies are adequate.