Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture August 8, 2016 |

Northwest Region
There was hot weather throughout the Northwest Region over the week, along with varied rainfall amounts. Precipitation ranged from trace in The Pas, 15 to 40 mm in Swan River to excessive rainfall received over a short period of time in many southern parts of the region. Areas around Fork River, Winnipegosis and Rorketon received upwards of 125 to 175 mm, and north of Roblin upwards of 100 mm. Some crop lodging due to rain and/or wind is evident throughout the entire region and crop damage is likely in lower areas where water is ponding.

Soil moisture conditions are variable, ranging from adequate in most areas to excessive in those areas receiving high rainfall amounts over the past week. Crops in these areas are showing the effects of excessive moisture with yellowing and crop loss in low lying areas. In general, most field crops throughout the region continue to advance nicely and are in relatively good condition, with the exception of poor crops in those areas impacted by too much moisture.

Crops are advancing rapidly with the hot weather. Fall rye and winter wheat crops are maturing and winter cereal harvesting is underway in the Dauphin and Roblin areas. The perennial ryegrass harvest is also underway. Some barley is harvested in the Ste. Rose area. Spring wheat is maturing quickly with the heat; some areas have potential for high protein wheat. Canola continues to develop rapidly with most canola fields podding. Field peas are also advancing quickly with most fields podded and reports of some fields being desiccated in the Swan River area.

Aster yellows are reported in canola in the Swan Valley; low levels are reported to date. Some oat blast in the Roblin area has been reported and fusarium head blight is present in wheat. As well, humidity is causing some white mould and powdery mildew in peas, and sclerotinia in canola where fungicide was not applied.

Producers are still trying to complete first cut but frequent rains continue to delay‎ operations. As well, second cut harvest will continue once weather clears. Second cut hay and some native hay access will be affected due to wet field soil conditions in areas receiving high amounts of rainfall. In areas with less rainfall, cereal silage harvest has begun with early reports indicating yields at 11 tons per acre. Pastures remain in good condition.