The pace of Manitoba seeding accelerated this past week amid mostly warm, dry weather.
The latest weekly crop report showed seeding across the province advanced 28 points to 85% complete as of Tuesday, well ahead of 64% last year and 69% for the five-year average. Precipitation this past week ranged from 0 to nearly 22 mm, with the Interlake region receiving just trace amounts, if any.
Along with the Eastern region, the eastern portions of the Interlake have accumulations under 60% of normal. On the other hand, accumulations in the Southwest and parts of the Central regions are more than 150% of the 30-year average since May 1.
Spring wheat seeding is nearing completion across the province, the report said, with earliest seeded fields at the 3-leaf to 1-tiller stage. Oats and barley are sitting at 89% seeded, while grain and silage corn are at 98% and 94% seeded respectively.
Canola seeding is 76% complete across the province, with most of those acres planted this past week. Flax is around 54% seeded, and sunflowers close to 83%.
Field pea seeding is complete across the province, and most fields have emerged with earliest seeded at the 2-3 node stage. Soybeans are estimated at 76% seeded across the province, with many emerging this past week. Dry bean acres are 28% seeded, with the Central region more advanced at 45%.
Some cattle are being turned out to summer pastures including community pastures. Other producers are waiting another week or two to ensure their pastures have sufficient growth to sustain the herd and not to jeopardize season long productivity. Many farms are doing spring vaccinations.
Dugouts are in better condition than expected given the low levels of moisture, however, lower water levels for livestock availability are present at The Pas and Swan River.
Southwest:
Rain showers and warm temperatures provided a significant boost to crop growth and seeding activities. Producers took full advantage of the favorable conditions, which were ideal for planting. Low winds also allowed producers to catch up on spraying activities.
Winter wheat and fall rye are advancing well, with tillering underway. The crops have filled-in rows and now cover the ground. Broadleaf weed control is complete, and overall, winter crops are in average to above-average condition.
Spring wheat seeding is approximately 99% complete, with most fields having emerged and at the 2- to 3-leaf stage. Barley and oats are about 80% complete, with most fields emerged and at the 1- to 3-leaf stage. Barley makes up the majority of the remaining unseeded acres. Corn planting is also around 80% complete, and early seeded corn has begun to emerge. There have been some reports of soil crusting. Field pea seeding is 100% complete, with most fields now emerged. Soybean planting progressed well over the past week and is currently about 70% complete.
Most producers are planting canola this week, as conditions remain favorable. At present, approximately 60% of canola acres have been planted.
Northwest:
Good seeding progress was made this week due to favorable weather conditions. Temperatures of 0 degrees or below were seen at many stations over the past eight days.
Fall Rye and Winter Wheat crops are looking good with continued growth. Spring wheat seeding is approximately 95% complete. Earlier seeded fields are at 3-4 leaf stage. Field pea seeding is approximately 98% complete across the region. Earliest seeded fields are at V2 stage. Soybean seeding continues and is approximately 80-85% complete. Earliest seeded fields are emerging. Canola seeding is approximately 75% complete.
Central:
Warm, dry, and sunny conditions over the past week have allowed significant progress in field operations across the Central Region. Lower wind speeds have allowed producers to catch up on spray operations.
Minor frost damage has been reported in corn fields, but the crop is not expected to suffer significant setbacks. Winter wheat and fall rye are advancing quickly, with tillering underway and progressing toward stem elongation. Stands appear strong, with rows filled in and broadleaf weed control largely completed.
Spring cereal seeding is nearly finished, with only a few fields remaining. Early seeded fields have reached the 3- leaf stage with one tiller. Herbicide applications are underway. Most corn has been planted, with remaining acres expected to be seeded in the coming week. Much of the crop has emerged and is at the V1–V2 stage. Light frost damage has been observed in several fields. Since the growing points remain below ground and the frost was light, long-term effects should be minimal. In areas that experienced heavy rainfall, some emergence issues due to soil crusting have been noted.
Canola seeding is largely complete, with the remainder expected to be wrapped up this week.
Eastern:
Producers were again able to make good seeding progress last week. Seeding is estimated at 98% complete across the region. Lack of rainfall is noted in the northeast part of the region. Spring cereal seeding is estimated at 100% complete, with a few fields of oats to go in yet for greenfeed. Fields are at the 2-3 leaf stage with one tiller. Winter wheat continues to look good.
Corn planting is ongoing at approximately 98% complete. Many corn fields have emerged and are in the V1 leaf stage with one leaf with a visible collar. A few reports of light frost on some of the corn acres, but the plants appear to be coming back and should not be significantly affected. Canola seeding in the region is estimated at 98% complete. The last of the acres should be planted in the next few days.
Interlake:
Dry, warm and sunny conditions throughout the week allowed for excellent progress with seeding and field operations. Overall conditions remain dry. Arborg area had light frost over the weekend. Seeding is wrapping up. Most areas are reporting over 95% complete.
The North Interlake areas report 90% complete, with greenfeed left to be seeded. Some uneven emergence due to inadequate rain but crop is looking decent. Fall rye and winter wheat have had great survival, and noticeable growth with recent rains. Spring cereals are estimated at 95 to 100% complete. Wheat is emerging up to 2 to 3-leaf stage. Emergence is fairly even. Barley and oats are emerging to early 2-leaf stage. Canola continues to be planted, with estimates of 70 to 75% complete.
