Manitoba Agriculture
Seasonal Crop Summary
October 23, 2025
Northwest Region
Spring started off with good seeding conditions, however as seeding progressed, there were challenges that continued throughout the season. The Swan Valley region saw a slightly earlier start as fields dried quicker. Spring wheat and field peas were the first crops seeded and started with adequate moisture. Canola, soybeans and remaining crops were challenged with moisture for germination and continued growth. Topsoil moisture was depleted as the season progressed, leading to poor growth and stagey crops. Precipitation was well below normal until mid-August at most weather stations. Most precipitation was received in late fall and in very large amounts in some areas. Soil moisture is now considered adequate, with approximately 10% of the region in surplus due to recent precipitation.
Wildfires in the North were a huge concern early in the season. Areas in the Carrot Valley (The Pas) were at risk, with parts of the region catching fire. Smoky conditions and air quality issues were common throughout the entire region with most of the region under a fire ban due to extremely dry conditions during spring.
Spring wheat yields were very good, with some quality issues reported. Estimated average yields were 70-80 bu/acre. Approximately 80% of the crop graded at 1CW, with the remainder grading 2CW. Estimated average yields for barley were 80-85 bu/acre and 100-110 bu/acre for oats.
Field pea seeding was timely, with the exception of some later seeded fields. While some field peas did well, some areas ran out of moisture and matured rapidly. Estimated average yields ranged from 30-55 bu/acre. 98% of the field pea crop graded at 2CAN, with the remainder at 3CAN.
Canola faced some challenges this season; lack of soil moisture led to poor germination and poor growth in the majority of canola crops. The result was very stagey crops within the same field. This was even more pronounced when moisture was received in late July. Throughout the season, crop staginess was evident with some of the crop approaching maturity while others were still flowering. This caused issues for desiccation staging as well as green plant material in the harvested seed. Flea beetle pressure was considerably less this year than in the past few years. Some areas reached threshold levels for bertha armyworm and required control. Harvest is 98% complete with estimated average yields ranging from 25-50 bu/acre.
Soybean seeding went well, with the crop starting off in decent shape. As soil moisture was depleted, crop growth stalled. Late season moisture did help pod fill, saving some soybeans, but for some it came too late. Estimated average yields for soybeans ranged from 25-45 bu/acre. Harvest is 98% complete.
Conditions were good for fall rye and winter wheat seeding. Recent precipitation improved soil moisture and crops germinated and established well.
For the most part, fall field operations were completed as crops were harvested. Soil conditions are mostly good for NH3 applications. Post harvest burn off is complete.
Provincial Overview
Harvest progress as of Oct. 20 sits at 97% complete across the province.
Corn and sunflower harvest will continue for the next few weeks. Currently, corn is at 71% complete and sunflowers are at 37% complete provincially.
Fall fertilizer application has been widespread, and the majority of fall field work has been completed.
Climate normals for total accumulated precipitation from May 1 to Oct. 19 range from 274.5 mm to 433.0 mm and are based on 30-year historical data. Most of agro-Manitoba has accumulated more than 220 mm of precipitation this growing season with the exception of the Interlake and a small part of the Northwest region. Total precipitation accumulations this season are below 70% compared to the 30-year average in the Interlake and parts of the Northwest. Parts of the Southwest, Northwest, and Central regions have accumulated more than 100% of normal precipitation levels since May 1.
Soil Moisture 0 – 30 cm shows a regional representation of soil moisture conditions for the top 30 cm on Oct. 19, 2025, relative to field capacity. The majority of agro-Manitoba is showing wet soil moisture conditions due to recent precipitation. Most of the Interlake and parts of the Northwest and Southwest regions are showing optimal conditions.
Soil Moisture 0 – 120 cm shows a regional representation of soil moisture conditions for the top 120 cm on Oct. 19, 2025 relative to field capacity. Most of the Interlake is showing optimal conditions. Most of the remaining regions are showing wet or optimal conditions at the 0 to 120 cm depth with some localized areas showing dry or very wet conditions.
Percent Normal Accumulated Growing Degree Days represents the variation of accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) from the historical record over a 30-year period from May 1 – Oct. 19, 2025. GDD Accumulations are between 105% and 120% of normal for the majority of agro-Manitoba.
To find interactive soil temperature/moisture and air temperature information, see Agri-Maps Current Weather viewer.