Manitoba farmers have nearly wrapped up spring seeding, but excess moisture remains a challenge in several parts of the province, according to the latest weekly crop report from Manitoba Agriculture.
The report, released June 23, indicates seeding progress has reached 97 per cent provincewide. While slightly behind last year’s pace and the five-year average, most crops are now established and advancing through early stages of development.
Weather conditions varied considerably over the past week. Parts of the Southwest and Central regions received scattered rainfall, while some areas of the Interlake saw little precipitation. Meanwhile, already saturated regions in the Northwest continued to receive additional rainfall, adding to flooding and moisture concerns.
Since May 1, large portions of the Northwest, Interlake and Eastern regions have accumulated substantially above-normal precipitation. Some areas of the Northwest have received more than 150 per cent of normal rainfall, while parts of the southern Interlake have exceeded 250 per cent of normal precipitation levels.
In contrast, much of southwestern Manitoba remains drier than average. Manitoba Agriculture reports many locations in the region have received less than 70 per cent of their normal seasonal precipitation so far this year.
For Westman producers, rainfall totals over the past week ranged widely. Kenton recorded 23.4 millimetres of rain, while Minnedosa received just 2.8 millimetres.
Despite the uneven moisture conditions, crop development continues to benefit from warmer temperatures and accumulating growing degree days. Most of southern Manitoba has now recorded more than 425 growing degree days since May 1, supporting crop growth across much of the province.
Agriculture officials say producers in wetter regions continue to monitor flooding, standing water and crop stress as the growing season progresses
