Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development July 27, 2015 |

Northwest Region

Unsettled weather over the past week caused isolated thunderstorms in some parts of the Northwest Region. Soil moisture conditions range from dry in some parts of the Swan Valley to adequate in most other areas of the region.

Generally, cereal crops in the Northwest Region are reported to be in good to fair condition. Symptoms of dry moisture conditions are evident in some wheat fields, especially in the Swan River Valley where plants in areas of some fields are stunted and maturing rapidly. Cereal crops in The Pas are reported to be in excellent condition. Approximately 90% of the winter wheat crop is in the dough stage of growth and about 5% of that crop is ripe. About 70% of the spring wheat crop is at the milk stage of growth with the remaining 30% in the dough stage.

Canola ranges from very good to poor, mostly because of earlier dry conditions causing poor and non uniform emergence of some reseeded fields. However, canola improved significantly over the week as the crop continues to develop rapidly. Approximately 80% of the canola crop is at some stage of bloom while about 20% is podded.

Approximately 90% of the corn crop is in the V6 to V13 stage of growth, and 70% of the soybean crop is blooming and 30% is podded. About 85% of the flax crop is flowering with the remaining 15% at the boll stage of growth.

Weed control looks adequate for most of the crops in the region, but wild oat escapes have appeared in some wheat fields. Most fungicide applications are complete on those fields requiring treatment.

Insect activity throughout the region is relatively low but producers are continuing to scout their crops for the presence of any unwanted insect activity.

Haying was generally in full swing, although localized showers did stall some haying operations. Producers are putting up hay in good condition due to little to no rain, but quality may be impacted by the lateness of first cut. Yields are average to below average in most parts of the North Parkland and Valleys North. Pastures are average with adequate moisture and water supplies are adequate.