July 29, 2008

Manitoba grain crops developing; soils saturated

The various grain and oilseed crops in Manitoba continued to develop well in most regions, although excess moisture in some locations was becoming a major concern, according to the Agriculture and Rural Development Department's update for the week ended July 28.

Crops in the Southwest region of Manitoba experienced mainly warm weather conditions and only spotty precipitation. Development of the crops in the region increased significantly, with most rapeseed fields now coming off flower. Flaxseed fields were flowering and cereals were filling, with some early barley starting to turn.

Sunflowers were behind in development and need heat to improve growth. About 10 percent of the sunflowers are starting to head, which puts them at least a week to 10 days behind normal.

Haying progress has been slow in the region. The first cut was about 75 percent down and about 50 percent baled. Yields have been average to below average.

Soil moisture conditions in the Northwest range from ideal to excessive, the report said.

Cereal crops were developing rapidly. About 25-30 percent of cereals were in the early dough stage while the remainder was less developed, the report said. Approximately 50 percent of the rapeseed was podded and flax was about 50 percent bolled.

In the Central region, seasonal temperatures helped crops mature rapidly. Rainfall was needed over most of the area. Rapeseed was virtually done flowering and was podding well, the report said. Early seeded spring cereals were starting to turn, while winter wheat was getting close to harvest. Flax was at the end of flowering, and bolls were filling.