Warm temperatures, high humidity and scattered thunderstorms helped drive rapid crop development this past week in Manitoba, according to the latest weekly crop report on Tuesday.
Average temperatures were slightly warmer than the previous week, with daytime highs reaching the upper 30s degrees C. The heat, combined with generally adequate moisture, has encouraged strong growth in cereals, oilseeds, pulses and corn. However, crop conditions remain uneven in areas affected by excessive rainfall and standing water, the report said.
Overall, crops are progressing well and are rated mainly in good-to-fair condition. Cereals have the largest proportion rated excellent, followed closely by oilseeds and pulses. Spring wheat is rated 70% good to excellent, while spring wheat, barley and oats have finished flowering in many fields and are approaching the early milk stage.
Some moisture-stressed fields continue to show yellowing and browning, although lodged cereal crops have recovered significantly. Peas are performing particularly well and yield prospects remain strong, despite slower development in wetter fields.
Canola conditions are more variable, especially near Stonewall and Warren, where flooding has left some fields with thin and uneven stands. The earliest crops have reached full bloom, but prolonged wetness could increase the risk of sclerotinia.
Soybeans are advancing through the R1 to R3 stages, while corn has responded strongly to the heat and moisture. Insect pressure remains generally manageable, although armyworms have been reported in some fields.
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