Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
May 11, 2021 |

Northwest Region

Seeding operations progressed rapidly in the Northwest region last week. Cool temperatures continued with highs not exceeding 13○C while overnight lows dipped to -10○C in some areas. In spite of the cooler weather, soil temperatures are warming allowing producers to begin seeding operations in earnest. There was no rainfall last week in the region and winds were light which has helped retain topsoil moisture. Soil moisture is currently adequate, although drier than average for this time of year which is a concern for growth of annual crops, pastures and hayfields. With the dry conditions, there are burn bans in some municipalities in the region.

With the exception of The Pas, spring operations are well underway and producers are making rapid progress. Seeding is pegged at 30% complete in the region to date with continued progress expected this week.

Approximately 75% of the peas are in the ground and rolled in the Roblin, Swan River and Dauphin areas. Peas are expected to be all in the ground in the next few days.

Wheat acres are going in quickly and are estimated at 65% complete in the region. The warmer temperatures and good seeding conditions in the forecast should result in completion this week. Barley seeding is underway and 30% complete. Crops are being seeded into adequate moisture for germination but more will be needed for continued growth.

There are expectations that more canola will be seeded in the Northwest region this year. To date, limited acres of 5% of the total expected crop are in the ground as producers wait for warmer soils and better overnight temperatures. Conditions are expected to improve in the next week, so canola seeding will ramp up in the next few days.

Pre-seed applications of herbicides continued as well as pre-seed burn-off as weeds have begun actively growing. There has been good winter survival of winter cereals, clovers and alfalfa.

Pheromone baited traps for diamondback moth monitoring have been put out this past week although no numbers have yet been reported. There are no reports of insect damage.

Hay and pasture growth still minimal as nighttime temperatures remain below freezing this past week. Some parts of the region are reporting sufficient water in dugouts while others are reporting lower levels than normal. Water sources would benefit from more rain as would pastures and hayfields with both moisture and heat. Cattle still being fed in winter feed yards or on stockpiled forage.