Harvest is edging closer across much of Manitoba — and has already begun in some areas — following a mostly dry week across the province, according to the latest weekly crop report on Wednesday.
Provincewide, rainfall over the past week was limited, with isolated showers primarily in the south. Sprague recorded the highest total at just 19.8 mm. Most of the Northwest, Interlake, and Eastern regions received little to no rain, compounding seasonal dryness. Compared to 30-year climate normals, large portions of the Northwest and Interlake regions remain well below 50% of normal precipitation.
In the Southwest, initial winter wheat harvesting has started near Brandon and the eastern parts of the region, though no yield results have been reported yet. The majority of winter cereals are nearing desiccation, and spring cereals like wheat, barley, and oats are maturing quickly. Canola is at the pod-filling stage and responding relatively well to the heat, though excessive temperatures and dryness are starting to impact pod development and cause some flower blasting.
“Rainfall at this stage would be highly beneficial overall,” the report said of the Southwest region
Meanwhile, the Northwest continues to face high heat, smoky skies, and deepening drought stress, the report said. Grasshopper pressure is increasing under the hot and dry conditions. Some winter wheat and fall rye harvesting is underway, and pre-harvest applications have started in spring wheat fields that have reached the appropriate stages. However, many crops may now be too late to benefit from additional rain.
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