Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
July 31, 2017 |

Northwest Region
The Northwest Region had high temperatures through the week and while crops are advancing, the effects of heat stress are showing up.

The hot weather brought thunderstorms over the weekend with precipitation amounts ranging from 5 to 20 mm across the Swan Valley, 17 mm around The Pas, and trace amounts through the Dauphin and Roblin areas. Some hail and high winds were reported southwest of Roblin and through Minitonas but damage has not yet been determined. Soil moisture conditions within the Northwest Region range from adequate at The Pas to dry through Roblin, Swan River and parts of the Dauphin area.

Crops are advancing quickly through the region, although the high temperatures along with higher night time temperatures are expected to negatively affect yield potential. Crop condition ranges from good where adequate soil moisture exists to fair in drier parts of the region. The majority of the spring wheat crop is heading and entering into the milk/dough stage. Some early seeded spring wheat fields are turning. Except for later seeded canola fields which are in full flower, most canola has finished flowering with approximately 40 to 80% podded. In dry areas of the region, aborted pods are showing up. Flax is in full flower and peas are in the podding stage. Soybeans and lentils are flowering and podding. Winter cereals are ripening but harvest has not yet begun. Bertha armyworm larvae levels are declining, but weekly trap count numbers in the Durban and Benito areas are at the uncertain risk level. Numbers remain low for diamondback moth larvae.

Although most of the region would benefit from some rain, this past week’s ideal haying weather allowed producers to wrap up harvesting of first cut tame forages. Native hay harvest is ongoing with average to above average yields. ‎Grass seed residues such as perennial ryegrass are being baled for feed. Greenfeed harvest has begun with some fields cut in the Swan River area.

Second cut alfalfa harvest for beef operations has not begun but yields are expected to be below average due to lower moisture conditions. Corn silage crops are tasseling in the Roblin area with the rest of the region further behind in development. Moisture will be needed to fill the cobs.

Pastures are holding steady in most areas, but beginning to show signs of low moisture and high heat stress. There are reports of livestock watering dugouts getting low near the Assiniboine River Valley area.