Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
May 25, 2021 |
Northwest Region
The first part of the past week saw temperatures hovering in the mid 30°C range, and strong winds throughout the region. These conditions caused further deterioration of soil moisture conditions, area wild fires and municipal burn bans. By Thursday, there were cooler temperatures and welcome precipitation in the form of rain and/or snow throughout the entire region. The moisture helped with wildfires in the area and helped to restore some soil moisture in the region. There was 15 to 30 mm precipitation throughout the region with highs of 50 mm in the Roblin area. Although widespread rains fell in the region, there was very little standing water remaining as it has been well absorbed. Most areas still have adequate moisture in the root zone for cereals and peas and the recent showers have helped to replenish surface moisture, which will help with germination of recently seeded crops.
The warmer conditions at the beginning of the week allowed producers to seed more frost sensitive crops such as canola and soybeans. Snow and/or rain over the weekend has temporarily halted spring operations however, progress was made through the rest of last week. Seeding is pegged at 75% complete in most of the region.
Wheat acres are near completion and are estimated at 99% complete in the Northwest region. The warmer temperatures and good seeding conditions resulted in good progress this past week. Spring wheat is emerging in good condition. Barley seeding is 40% complete. Crops were seeded into adequate moisture for germination but some areas still require additional moisture for continued growth.
Approximately 99% of the peas are in the ground and rolled in the Roblin, Swan River and Dauphin areas. With timely rains, peas are emerging in good condition.
With warmer weather this past week, there was good progress on seeding of canola. To date, approximately 75% of forecasted acres are in the ground. The welcome moisture at the weekend will aid in fast and uniform germination. There was some progress on soybeans last week with approximately 75% in the ground. There are reports of fewer soybean acres going in this year in the Northwest region.
There has been good winter survival of winter cereals, clovers and alfalfa. Winter cereals came through the winter in good to excellent condition.
Pheromone baited traps for diamondback moth monitoring are out in fields throughout the region. There are no significant numbers showing up as of yet. There are no reports of insect damage.
Forages will benefit from recent rains the area has received. More moisture is still needed for recharge on dugouts and continued forage growth. Dugouts and water sources are low. Corn silage seeding wrapping up. Alfalfa field growth has been slow with plant heights ranging from 5 to 13 inches (12 to 33 cm). Heat and moisture will further advance hay fields. Cattle are being withheld from pastures due to slow growth and dry conditions.