Grasshoppers on the move, canola swathing widespread in preparation of harvest

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 20

Southwest Region Rain and cooler temperatures have delayed swathing in late seeded canola and have rejuvenated soybean crops. Showers early last week, 5 to 10 mm rain was widespread. Minnedosa, Neepawa and areas north of Highway 16 are still suffering serious moisture shortages as most of these areas are only 50 to 70 per cent

Crop yields on Robert Brunel’s fields, near Ste. Rose du Lac, have been well below average so far.

Dry conditions impacting crop yields for some Manitoba farmers

Moisture levels across the province are variable, as are crop yields, which aren’t quite disastrous

Near Robert Brunel’s farm, the Turtle River has run dry for only the third time in recollection for the oldest residents of Ste. Rose du Lac. “We’re extremely dry,” said Brunel, who farms 6,500 acres of cropland. “We haven’t seen any significant rain all summer.” Brunel said his hay is yielding about half a bale


USDA’s recalculations toss anvil to markets

Canola remains rangebound as harvest looms

A surprisingly large corn production estimate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave North American grain and oilseed markets a jolt during the week ended Aug. 15. Corn and wheat prices fell in response to the updated data, while oilseeds had a more subdued response. After a soggy start to the U.S. growing season, investors



(File photo by Dave Bedard)

Funds cover canola short positions

MarketsFarm — Fund traders covered some of their large net short position in canola during the week ended Tuesday, according to the latest commitment of traders (CoT) report from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The net managed money short position in canola came in Tuesday at 66,293, a decrease of roughly 3,000 contracts

(Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Grain growers get extension on 2018 APP repayment

Grain, oilseed and pulse crop growers who took out cash advances from the Advance Payments Program for the 2018-19 crop year will get an extra six months to repay, effective Friday. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Thursday announced a six-month stay of default for APP advances on grains, oilseeds and pulses, to March 31,





Grasshopper control continues in oilseed crops, hay yields seen significantly lower

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 13

Southwest Region Warm temperatures this week have quickly advanced crop maturity, together with cooler than normal overnight temperatures. Rain over the weekend and into Monday occurred throughout the region but amounts varied from 0.4 mm at Lake Audy to 37 mm at Bede. Areas along Hwy 16 are still below normal moisture accumulation this summer.

File photo of initial symptoms that may be seen the morning after a frost in canola. Depending on the amount of frost and weather conditions, either moderate damage or severe damage may develop. (Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Prairies at risk of frosty harvest

MarketsFarm — Another dilemma is expected for the 2019 growing season: after a late start, western Canadian farmers could be challenged by an early end. Over the Aug. 10 weekend there were isolated reports of frost in some areas of the Peace region in northwestern Alberta. Other parts of the Prairies may be experiencing similar