Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture
August 17, 2021 |

Northwest Region

Generally cooler temperatures throughout the week across the region with overnight temperatures dipping below 5°C early Friday morning. Inglis reached down to 0.7 for a short period. The weekend brought back extremely high temperatures with Swan River reaching 36°C. Overnight temperatures are cooling resulting in heavy morning dew. The southeastern portion of the region received precipitation with Alonsa receiving 46 mm, while the rest of the region received minimal precipitation. High temperatures this season, along with lack of precipitation have advanced crops quickly as they head to maturity. The lack of precipitation remains apparent and a large concern as water sources and soil moisture continue to be depleted.

Harvest in field peas continues full swing in the Swan River region while the rest of the region is completed. Yields have been lower and range from 35 to 40 bu/ac for most of the region and of average quality so far.

Spring wheat harvest is underway, with desiccation ongoing as staging is reached. Early wheat yields range from 40 to 60 bu/ac. About 60% of the spring wheat is rated as good. In The Pas, spring wheat is in the hard dough stage and some early crops have begun desiccation. Some barley and oats have been harvested. No reports of yield as of yet. Winter cereals are harvested and early yield reports are at 40 to 60 bu/acre.

Canola is variable in staging and condition. Most of the canola is podded and ripening. Some of the earliest canola has begun swathing/desiccation. About 50% of the canola is rated as good, while the remainder would be fair/poor. Sunscald and heat blast is evident in most canola with the recent high temperatures.

Soybeans across the region are at the R4- R5 stage with the more advanced crops in the southern part of the region. Those crops that received some timely precipitation will be of better condition. Grasshoppers continue to be a concern across the Northwest region. Some lygus control in
canola was warranted in the Swan Valley last week as numbers exceeded threshold. Late season flea beetles have also become a concern.

Forage condition continues to decline with the continuing hot and dry conditions. Harvest is ongoing with many producers baling up straw and slough hay where they can find it. Pastures have minimal to no regrowth where cattle have been continuously grazed. Many water sources have been depleted, particularly on the eastern side of the region and grasshoppers continue to be a problem. Herd culling continues, as feed shortages
will be common. Many are hoping that corn silage crops will continue to develop to be a good source of feed later this season.