Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
July 2, 2019 |

Northwest Region

Good growing conditions prevailed in the Northwest region last week with daytime temperatures over 25°C and welcome rain showers through most of the region. There have been reports of hail over the weekend in an area north of Swan River; damage is being assessed at this point. Rainfall amounts ranged from 9 to 17 mm. These showers have helped crops to advance after a long delay due to dry conditions. Unfortunately, the driest parts of the region received the least amount of rain and crops in those areas are showing the effects of lack of moisture. Soil moisture conditions around Dauphin/Ste. Rose area are short; Swan River area is 90% adequate, 10% short; soils at The Pas and Roblin are 100% adequate. Most crops are catching up after a long dry spell early in the growing season.

There was noticeable growth in the canola this week with 70 to 80% of the crop in the rosette stage and some of the earlier seeded canola starting to flower. Approximately 50 to 60% of spring cereals are heading out. Winter wheat and fall rye are heading out. The field peas in the region are well into flowering.

Herbicide applications are nearing completion in most areas with good weed control. Monitoring traps for diamondback moths were removed from fields this week as the moths mature into the larval stage. Diamondback moth larvae have been observed in canola around Swan River and producers are encouraged to scout their fields. Thistle caterpillars have been observed in soybeans. Bertha armyworm moths are showing up in traps throughout the region. While still at “low risk”, numbers are nearing the “uncertain” range in the Ste. Rose area.

Generally, crops in the Northwest region are rated as good; however, areas with preexisting issues have become more noticeable in regards to germination, emergence, frost, insects, etc. as the crop advances.

Haying has started but yields look to be about a third of normal. Alfalfa weevil has been reported in the Rorketon area, north of Ste. Rose. Hay crops north of Dauphin, into the Ethelbert area are also very thin and poor growth was reported due to lack of rain. Dugouts have been reported to be 50% of normal to dry in the Rorketon area. Producers are digging wells to supplement water sources for cattle on pasture. Pastures health will decline rapidly with limited precipitation.