Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
June 30, 2020 |

Northwest Region
There was rain throughout the entire region in the last few days. Amounts varied but ranged from a minimum of 25mm around Roblin on the western side of the region to amounts in excess of 124 mm at Alonsa and 117 mm at Laurier on the southeastern part of the region. There is water pooling in low-lying areas of fields where the highest rainfall occurred. Ratings for soil moisture are 5% surplus, 85% adequate and 10% short. Wetter soils are in the northern and southeastern parts of the region. Temperatures hit highs over 30°C but overnight temperatures did dip to single digits throughout the region. This warmer weather and, for some areas, welcome rain, spurred crop growth over the last week. Pesticide applications have continued in attempt to catch up; however, continue to be a challenge due to a very narrow window of ideal environmental conditions. Growth stages for all crops is very spread out in the region due to cool spring weather, dry soils delaying emergence, frost and insect pressure resulting in reseeding.

Spring cereals in the region are 80% into the stem elongation stage and are generally in good condition although weed control has been a challenge. Winter wheat and fall rye are heading/flowering; winter wheat is in fair to good condition while fall rye is in excellent condition.

Canola growth stages are variable due to reseeding with 40% in the seedling stage, 50% in the rosette stage and 10% bolting. Canola crop condition ranges from poor to good with 60% in fair condition. The soybean crop is in the vegetative stage and is in good to fair condition; soybean condition is better in the southern part of the region. Field peas are in the vegetative stage, the earlier seeded fields are flowering. Some fungicide applications on peas have taken place. Growth of silage corn is delayed. Flax is in good condition.

Bertha armyworm monitoring is underway with 24 traps throughout the region; numbers remain low. Producers are encouraged to scout for diamondback larvae when monitoring canola fields.

Pastures and annual crops will benefit from the recent precipitation but more is needed for sustained production specifically in the Swan River, Ethelbert and Roblin areas. Yield potential for first cut hay stands has been already set so recent rainfall will aid second cut regrowth. With first cut hay yields estimated at one-third to two-thirds of normal, producers who rely on alfalfa-grass for their winter feed supplies will require additional acres this year or alternative feedstuffs. No beef hay harvest has started yet. Livestock water supply is adequate, although some dugouts in the Ethelbert area are dry. There have been reports of producers supplementing cows on pasture, as forage growth is not sufficient to support the herd. Grasshoppers have had significant damage on pastures in the Sifton, Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains and Grandview areas.