Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
May 7, 2019 |

Northwest Region
Cooler temperatures prevailed this past week with highs in the midteens dropping to an average low of -5°C overnight. There was snowfall on the weekend in most areas. Birch River, Minitonas and The Pas received the most precipitation at 10 to 14 mm. These conditions slowed seeding progress throughout the Northwest Region although fields are starting to dry up again and the snow has melted. Soil moisture is generally adequate to normal, drying on the surface
with good sub-surface moisture. The exceptions are the area around Ste. Rose/Rorketon where dry conditions remain from last growing season and The Pas where wet conditions from 2018 continue.

In spite of weather, field operations including fertilizer and herbicide applications, tillage and seeding are continuing throughout most of the region. As well, clean up from the previous season’s unharvested crop continues around Swan River, The Pas and Dauphin.

Seeding progressed with 15 to 20% of the peas and 5 to 10% of spring wheat acres seeded. Canola and fababean seeding has started around Swan River this week.

Weed emergence and growth including volunteer canola has begun; insect activity is minimal to date.

Minimal new forage growth this past week due to cooler temperatures. Subsoil moisture conditions are good. Dugout levels are adequate but moisture would be welcome around Dauphin. Some cows reported on pastures with supplementation required.