Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
July 30, 2018 |

Northwest Region

Growing conditions were generally good last week in the Northwest region. The beginning of the week was cool and damp however temperatures increased to the high 20’s and low 30’s by the weekend. Rainfall amounts were mixed with 30 mm falling in The Pas, 20 to 30 mm south and west of Dauphin and light localized showers in the remainder of the region. Soil moisture conditions are rated as good with the exception of The Pas where moisture conditions are excessive causing crop yellowing due to water ponding in low lying areas.

Winter wheat and fall rye around Ste. Rose and Roblin are in the dough stage with about 70% of the fields starting to ripen. Approximately 60% of the spring cereals are into the dough stage with reports of rust in some fields. Early barley is being combined in the Ste. Rose area. Canola is in late bloom and well podded in most fields in the region. Some effects of high temperatures are showing up in the canola fields. The soybean crop has reached the R3 stage, with 25 to 30% still flowering. Peas and lentils are nicely podded, and corn is tasseling. The flax crop is in bolls and still green. No specific insect or disease concerns have been reported.

Rain last week benefitted forages in the region, particularly the areas around Dauphin, Ste. Rose, and Rorketon, which have been experiencing very dry conditions. First cut hay harvest is still ongoing. Feed testing has begun with initial tests showing average quality first cut. Cereal silage harvest is just starting while second cut hay harvest by dairy producers has begun. Pasture conditions vary depending on soil moisture conditions. With poorer pasture growth in the eastern part of the region, the local auction mart has decided to start sales two weeks earlier this year.