November 17, 2009

Excellent weather allowed Manitoba producers to virtually complete some harvest operations, according to an update from the provincial government's Agriculture and Rural Development Department for the week ended Monday (November 16).

The report said the soy harvest in the province was nearly complete in the eastern and central regions.

Improved weather conditions resulted in seed moisture contents dropping significantly, easing storage, aeration and dryer availability concerns. Soy yields were described as average to above average.

In the central region, a few edible bean fields were left to harvest, the report said. Edible bean yields were average at 1,200 to 1,500 pounds, with some fields ranging up to 2,500 pounds.

The sunflower harvest in Manitoba was also continuing. In the eastern region, the sunflower harvest was 70 percent complete, with yields ranging from well below average to average. Quality was extremely variable, mainly a result of high sclerotinia disease pressure, the report said.

Manitoba's grain corn harvest was also continuing in the eastern and central regions. Harvested kernel moistures have ranged from over 30 percent to the mid-20 percent range. Some lower moisture has resulted from the recent weather conditions.

Reported grain corn yields were variable with lower than normal bushel weights.

Manitoba Agriculture crop adjustors were continuing to assess grain corn fields where producers have submitted mould-related claims.

Good progress was made on fall fertilization applications, field cultivation and general fieldwork, the report said.