According to the latest provincial weekly crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, the region's crops are experiencing varied development and progress. Recent weather patterns have been inconsistent, with precipitation ranging from 0 mm to 28.5 mm across different areas. This variability has influenced crop conditions significantly, with some areas benefiting from adequate moisture and others facing drought stress.
Overall, crops like fall rye and winter wheat are nearing maturity, with some fields already being harvested. Corn fields, although uneven earlier, have shown improvement due to warmer weather. Spring cereals and oilseeds such as canola and sunflowers are in various stages of development, influenced by erratic weather patterns.
Soil moisture levels are mostly optimal at surface depths, which is crucial for the ongoing growth stages of various crops. Growing Degree Days (GDD) accumulation is between 95% and 110% of normal, reflecting the warmer temperatures experienced recently. These conditions are pivotal in determining the progress and eventual yields of the crops.
SOUTHWEST REGION
The Southwest region has experienced above-normal temperatures and minimal rainfall, leading to crops nearing wilting points in some areas. Winter wheat is at the hard dough to ripening stage, and harvest has started in fall rye. Spring cereals are maturing rapidly, with barley expected to be swathed soon.
Canola is in the pod fill to early ripening stage, but some late-seeded crops are still in full bloom. Soybean crops are at the R3 to R4 stage, appearing green and tall, with moisture being critical for pod development. Corn is advancing well, with most of the crop at the silking stage.
NORTHWEST REGION
The Northwest region has also faced high temperatures and minimal precipitation, depleting surface moisture. Winter wheat and fall rye are in the hard dough stage, with most spring wheat in the soft dough stage. Canola has mostly completed flowering, and soybeans are progressing well in the R2 to R3 stage.
Field peas are nearing desiccation stages, and some rain would benefit the crops in the last bit of pod development. The lack of uniform rainfall continues to pose challenges, necessitating careful management to optimize yields.
CENTRAL REGION
Central Manitoba has had warm and dry conditions, facilitating rapid dry down and harvest of fall rye, winter wheat, and spring barley. Precipitation has been low, aiding in the development of corn, soybean, and edible beans, which have improved significantly over the past month. The region's crops are generally tracking close to average growth stages, with some concerns about root rot and lodging in barley and wheat fields.
Field peas are beginning to mature, with some yellowing in low-lying areas. Soybeans are between full bloom and full pod stages, with most beginning to pod. Canola is at the pod fill stage, and silage and grain corn growth have progressed rapidly.
EASTERN REGION
The Eastern region experienced one of the driest weeks since the start of the cropping season, with temperatures remaining above normal. Isolated thunderstorms and hailstorms occurred over the weekend, but the extent of crop damage is unknown. Fall rye and winter wheat harvest has begun, and spring cereals range from hard dough to physiological maturity.
Corn ranges from early tassel to silking stages, and soybeans are rapidly developing between late R2 to early R4 stages. Canola crops are well into pod filling, with flower drop complete. Field pea stands are at the beginning maturity stage, and sunflower growth is progressing with considerable developmental variation due to varied planting dates and past water stress conditions.
INTERLAKE REGION
The Interlake region continues to experience warm weather, high humidity, and minimal rainfall. Most areas received trace amounts of rain, with some fields benefiting from the moisture. Winter wheat and fall rye are in the hard dough stage, and pre-harvest applications on fall rye are ongoing.
Spring cereals are starting to turn color, indicating maturity, and most grain corn is tasseling, with some fields as advanced as silking. Peas are at the R3 to R5 stages, looking excellent with well-filled pods. Soybeans have seen rapid growth, and canola varies widely with some fields fully podded and others still flowering. Sunflowers are as advanced as the R2 to R3 stage, with the earliest seeded approaching early R5.
