Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
September 17, 2019 |

Northwest Region

Scattered showers throughout the region halted harvest operations through the week. Rainfall events ranged from 4 to 10mm with the heaviest rain of 18mm around Birch River. The weekend brought highs of 28 to 32°C, and along with breezy conditions have helped dry down and mature crops for harvest. Harvest operations resumed in full swing by the weekend.

Slow harvest progress prevailed early last week, but began in earnest throughout the region over the weekend. The harvest of field peas is virtually complete around Roblin however, 5% of field peas remain standing in the Swan River area with reported yields of 40 to 80 bu/ac. Around Roblin, the winter wheat harvest is complete.

The spring wheat crop is ripe in the region and harvest is generally underway with 25% of the crop harvested. Additional dry down is required with high moisture in some of the wheat crop. Spring wheat yields around Swan River are in the range of 50 to 70 bu/ac. Oats and barley are 25% harvested. The canola crop continues to mature throughout the region with most of the canola crop either swathed or standing for straight combining. There has been a start to the harvest of canola around Swan River with 10% combined; Dauphin and Ste. Rose areas are further ahead with overall progress for the region at 15%. Better weather with an absence of frost is helping to mature the soybean crop; and while 100% of fields are still standing, there is optimism for good yields. Post-harvest operations have begun on harvested fields, but are somewhat limited due to wet conditions. The winter wheat seeded into harvested pea fields is emerging and is in good condition.

Harvesting operations and baling of straw resumed over the weekend after wet conditions last week halted operations. Producers are contemplating taking advantage of good drying weather to put up second cut alfalfa where it exists; realizing alfalfa winter survival could be at risk cutting at this time.

Although recent rainfall has greened up pastures and held back grasshopper populations, many pastures do not have sufficient growth to meet herd requirements. Cattle are being moved off the Ethelbert and Alonsa community pastures early due to lack of regrowth. Producers are weaning calves and culling cows earlier.

Water levels in dugouts have slightly increased in the Roblin and Swan River areas but dugouts around Dauphin, Ste. Rose and Rorketon remain low to dry. Corn silage harvest is still weeks away with yields estimated at 60% in the drier parts of the region to normal in other areas.