Isolated rainfall and storm events occurred across the province this week, with weekly accumulations ranging from 0 mm to 60.3 mm (Table 1). Areas near Riding Mountain National Park and near the Red River Valley received more than 10 mm of rain in the past eight days. The highest amount of rainfall was observed at Kane (60.3 mm).
Southwest
Harvest in the region progressed well this past week, with most days having warm and dry conditions. Temperatures were normal to above normal for this time of year. Harvesting of fall rye and winter wheat is complete in most areas. Both crops are considered good quality, with winter wheat yields averaging 50 to 70 bu/acre and protein levels reported between 10-11%. Fall rye yields are around 60 to 80 bu/acre . Most cereals have been sprayed and are currently being harvested. The wheat crop is rated as 90% good and 10% fair in the southwest region. Approximately 40% of the wheat harvest is complete, with good quality and protein levels ranging from 13 to 15%. Spring wheat yields are between 40 and 80 bu/acre, with an anticipated average of 50 to 60 bu/acre. Barley harvest continues in many areas and is about 50% complete. Some producers have started swathing, but the majority of fields are being straight cut. Early barley yields range from 50 to 90 bu/acre. In areas that received heavy rainfall, the quality of swathed crops is likely to deteriorate. Stands are short, and the volume of swaths is making combining a challenge. Oat harvest is about 10% complete, with average yields around 80 to 100 bu/acre. Some lodging is visible in cereals due to recent rains. Most canola crops are in the full pod fill stage, with seed color changing. Several fields are being sprayed, and some have been swathed. Harvest is about 5-10% complete, with yields in the 40-bushel range; however, a reliable average yield is difficult to determine at this time. Soybeans are at the R6 to R7 growth stages. Recent rain was very timely for crop development, and the past week’s heat will help bring the crop to maturity. Some late weed growth is present in many areas and has caused some harvest issues. Pea harvest is complete. Quality appears good, with average yields around 50 to 60 bu/acre. Corn is at dent stage with the crop still green and sunflower crops are at R6 stage and growing well, benefiting from recent moisture and the hot weather spell.
Northwest
Warm temperatures allowed for good harvest progress this week. The weekend wrapped up with thunderstorms in some areas, pausing harvest briefly. Heavy dews have also narrowed the harvest window. Thunderstorms at the end of the weekend brought hail to the Swan Valley, Benito and Inglis area, causing damage to some crops in the area. Pre-harvest applications are close to wrapping up in wheat as crops are removed. Desiccation/swathing is underway in canola as stages are reached. Post-harvest field operations are also underway. Fall rye and winter wheat harvest is complete. A good week of spring wheat harvest has allowed significant progress in most of the Northwest region. Harvest is at approximately 70% complete across the region. Some lodging of crops have been a challenge when harvesting. Initial estimated average yields are 50-60 bu/acre, with some fields yielding higher. Field pea harvest continues across the region and is approximately 85% complete. Yields vary from 30-60 bu/acre. Canola crops continue to be varied across the region. Desiccation/swathing is underway, and a small start to harvest in some areas. Varied stages within some fields are noticeable with some plants at mature stage and some plants still flowering – especially in areas of the field that had not germinated due to lack of moisture this spring. Soybean crops are at R5-R6 stage and moving closer to R7.
