Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
May 28, 2018 |

Northwest Region

Rainfall amounts were variable in the Northwest Region this week. The hot weather resulted in thunderstorms, large quantities of rainfall in a short period and reports of pea-sized hail in the Laurier and Swan River areas.

Some locations around Roblin continue to be very dry; however; the area also received precipitation with upwards of 53mm of rain. Rainfall amounts in Swan River ranged from 15 to 59 mm with some hail, no reports of significant damage have been received. Rainfall amounts of 15 to 25 mm fell at The Pas. Ethelbert and Pine River areas had 36 to 100 mm of rain with some considering if reseeding will be necessary in flooded fields.

The rain has made a huge difference to crop emergence and soil moisture conditions. Overall, seeding progress is estimated at 90% complete. Seeding in The Pas is estimated to be 75% complete.

Seeding of spring wheat is 75 to 95% complete with 50% of the fields emerging. Seeding of canola is 80-95% complete; much of the canola seed had been sitting in dry soil however where rain occurred, emergence has been rapid. Seeding of soybeans is 85 to 100% complete. Most acres of field peas are seeded and emerging. Winter cereals overwintered in good condition and are growing well.

Herbicide applications are underway. Flea beetle activity is increasing. No reports of diamondback activity have been received.

Forage growth progressed rapidly this past week in areas that received significant rainfall. In these areas, the warm temperatures also helped advance growth with alfalfa measuring up to 18 inches in height, growing over 12 inches in the past week. Dry conditions remain with slow forage growth in parts of the region that missed last weeks’ rain. Livestock continue to be hauled to pasture and supplementation required where moisture has been limited. Early seeded corn silage fields have emerged.