Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture October 3, 2016 |

Northwest Region
Harvest operations continued steadily through the week with good progress in the Northwest Region. Widespread showers over the weekend brought harvest operations throughout the region to a halt on Sunday. Although amounts were not significant, with cool overnight temperatures, fog and already wet conditions, it was enough to stop operations. Generally, rainfall amounts ranged from 3 to 10 mm.

Producers are pressing forward with harvest operations with the red spring wheat harvest nearing completion in most areas of the region. It’s virtually complete in the Swan River and Dauphin areas and 90 to 95% comlete in Roblin and The Pas. Much of the grain combined over the last two weeks was harvested at tough moisture levels that required drying; quality is average to below average. Spring wheat yields are ranging from 50 to 70 bu/acre. Progress on the barley harvest is steady with 90% of the barley acres combined throughout the region. Yields are average at approximately 80 bu/acre. Roughly 90% of the oats in the region is harvested.

The canola harvest continued with steady progress throughout the week. Approximately 70% of the acres in the Swan River and The Pas areas are complete, with 80% complete in Roblin. Canola yields are variable and quality is average with reports of 50 to 65 bu/acre.

The soybean harvest is underway. Corn remains standing. Weeds are actively growing and some post-harvest fieldwork has taken place, as conditions allow.

Second cut alfalfa harvest continued when weather allowed. Shorter days and cooler temperatures are slowing down drying time; therefore, much of it is being put up as round bale silage. Corn silage harvest is underway with above average yields reported but harvest has been challenging with equipment having difficulty traveling on wet fields. The majority of pastures are still in good condition for this time of year but some herds have been moved to grazing stubble.