Showers delay harvest of Manitoba's crops

 

 

Shower activity delayed harvest activities throughout Manitoba in the week ended Monday (Oct 5), the provincial government's Agriculture and Rural Development Department said in a crop update.

 

In the Southwest region, rain and cool temperatures delayed the remaining harvest of crops. Temperatures dropped below zero degrees Celsius a few of the mornings.

 

The cereal harvest in the area ranges from 70-90 percent complete. Yields to date were average to above-average with good quality but lower-than-average protein. There are reports of barley not being selected for malt due to quality issues.

 

The canola harvest ranges from 65-80 percent complete, with yields average to above-average and good quality. The flax harvest was 25-35 percent complete with good quality.

 

Pastures in the Southwest continue to be in fair to good condition. The recent cool temperatures have resulted in forage growth to stop. Several producers are starting to move cattle to pastures that have not been grazed to date or to harvest crop land for grazing.

 

In the Northwest, showers during the week delayed the completion of harvest activities.

 

The majority of cereals in the region have been harvested, however, the report said. Wheat yields averaged 45-50 bushels per acre, barley averaged 70-75 bushels, and oats averaged 85-90 bushels. Ergot is being reported in the later harvested wheat. Some areas still have 75 percent of canola left to harvest. Yields have been averaging 40-45 bushels/acre.

 

Fall field work and heavy harrowing was underway.

 

Pastures in the area were in fair to good condition for this time of the year. Producers are waiting for a killing frost so cattle can be moved onto second cut alfalfa.

 

Harvest progress in the Central region has slowed due to showers and cooler temperatures.

 

The majority of cereals in the region have been harvested, ranging from 90-100 percent complete, the report said. The canola harvest was over 90 percent complete. A number of flax fields were left to be harvested, with yield reports to date ranging from 20-40 bushels/acre.

 

In the Eastern region, harvest progress continued, although the pace slowed due to intermittent light rainfall and cool temperatures. Frost was recorded early in the week and although significant leaf damage and leaf drop occurred in the warm season crops, damage to corn and sunflower crops appear minimal. No seed damage in soy in the brown pod stage was noted.

 

The harvest of spring wheat in the area was virtually complete. Oats were 70-95 percent harvested. Canola harvesting was 80-95 percent complete, with yields ranging from 25-50 bushels/acre. The flax harvest ranges from 40-80 percent complete with yields of 23-30 bushels.

 

Damp cool conditions prevailed throughout the Interlake region most of last week, delaying harvest progress.

 

Harvest throughout the region was estimated to be 80 percent complete, the report said. The harvest of canola and cereal crops was complete or almost complete on most farms. Crops yet to be harvested include soy, flax and sunflowers.