A welcome stretch of dry, windy weather has allowed Manitoba producers to make significant harvest progress after weeks of delays caused by excessive moisture and challenging field conditions.
While precipitation varied widely across the province during the week of September 28 to October 4, the heaviest rainfall was recorded at Gardenton in the Eastern Region with 32.9 millimetres. In contrast, much of the Interlake, Northwest and Southwest regions received little or no rain.
Seven-Day Rainfall Totals
| Region | Wettest Location | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern | Gardenton | 32.9 mm |
| Central | Emerson | 20.3 mm |
| Southwest | Ninette | 7.7 mm |
| Interlake | Fisherton/Riverton | 1.6 mm |
| Northwest | The Pas | 1.6 mm |
Despite recent dry conditions, seasonal precipitation totals remain well above normal across much of the Northwest, Southwest and Interlake regions, with many areas receiving more than 130 per cent of their long-term average rainfall.
Provincially, harvest is now estimated at 65 per cent complete. Winter wheat, fall rye and field pea harvests are finished, while spring cereals are largely wrapped up across the Central, Eastern and Interlake regions. Canola harvest sits at 74 per cent complete province-wide, although significant acres remain in the Southwest and Northwest.
In southwestern Manitoba, farmers reported a much-needed boost in optimism as lower humidity and steady winds helped dry crops and fields. Spring wheat harvest has reached roughly 75 per cent completion, barley is 85 per cent complete and canola stands at approximately 55 per cent harvested. Soybean harvest is only beginning, with about 10 per cent of the crop combined.
Yield reports remain mixed. Most cereal crops are producing average yields, but quality has deteriorated in many later-harvested fields because of sprouting, weathering and low test weights. Many recently harvested wheat and barley crops are being downgraded to feed grades.
Canola producers continue to battle lodging, wet fields and pod shatter, particularly in western Manitoba. Soybean harvest has begun in every region, with early yields generally reported as average to slightly above average.
Meanwhile, forage producers are taking advantage of favourable harvest conditions to complete haying, bale straw and advance silage operations. Livestock producers report cattle remain in good condition, although pasture quality is declining following frost and the onset of fall dormancy.
With dry weather expected to continue, producers across Manitoba are hoping to make substantial progress on remaining harvest acres before winter conditions arrive.
