Manitoba harvest 95 per cent complete, soils remain dry

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for October 5

Southwest Region Temperatures have been variable, with daytime highs ranging from 27 to 32 C. Overnight lows dropped to as low as 5.0 to -0.5 C, with no severe frost reports. Average daily temperatures range from 14 C to 16 C. Forecast looks promising for the remainder of harvest. Above normal temperatures are making harvest

Manitoba crops 90 per cent harvested, winter cereals seeding mostly complete

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for September 28

Southwest Region Very warm days, well above seasonal norms advanced harvest rapidly this week. Temperatures were extremely variable, with daytime highs ranging from the 25 C to 29 C, while overnight lows dipped to 3.5 C, with reports of frost in some northern areas. Average daily temperatures range from 11 C to 14 C. Dry


A canola field in Manitoba's Interlake, Sept. 26. New growth blooms despite the late-September calendar.

Late greening crops causing headaches for farmers

The weather turnaround has skewed the internal clocks of some crops

Producers are ready to get that grain in the bin, just as some crops have decided now’s the perfect time for a vegetative growth spurt. Late-season growth has frustrated harvest and increased the risk of spoilage in a list of crops ranging from canola and flax to pulses, provincial extension staff say. Why it matters:

SWM’s flax-processing facility near Carman.

Flax facility near Carman to close

The plant didn’t provide much revenue for growers but it cleaned up nuisance flax straw

A Manitoba farmer fears the impending closure of a flax straw-processing facility near Carman may mean a decline in provincial flax acres. “I’m sure it will decrease the acres,” said Jack Hodgson, a delegate on the Manitoba Crop Alliance’s flax committee and a Roland-area farmer. “It’s just one more kick against growing flax when there


The humble soil test is your best bet this fall for better nutrient management after a drought.

Soil testing even more crucial after drought year

A poor crop year means nutrients may be left in the soil. An accurate reading of what’s there can help farmers reduce costs and manage nutrients better

After a drought year, soil testing is more crucial than ever — and farmers may like the results they get. “In the driest areas with the poorest yields, we’re hearing of very high levels of nitrogen remaining,” said John Heard, soil fertility specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development. “I have never been so curious

Rapid push to get canola off the field, kick off soybean harvest

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for September 21

Southwest Region Temperatures varied widely this past week, reaching nearly 30-degree daytime highs, with lows dipping to 0.8°C, but no reports of frost yet. Average daily temperatures range from 13°C to 15°C. Harvest continues; many producers are caught up on cereals and canola and are waiting for soybeans to be ready.  Harvest weather has been


Plant developers (mostly large biotech companies) will decide for themselves whether their product meets the criteria for regulation.

Comment: CFIA gene editing proposal problematic

The rules being floated are not science based or transparent

Canada is deciding how to regulate gene-edited plants – and is largely proposing not to. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) plants for environmental safety under the Seeds Act Regulations – Part V. These regulations define what is considered a “Plant with Novel Traits” (PNTs)



Harvest completion at 65 per cent, pastures improve to support grazing

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for September 14

Southwest Region Cooler, cloudy weather dominated this past week, with heavy showers falling along the border Monday afternoon. Recent weather has been conducive to harvest, with moderate daytime highs, coupled with light winds and cool nights for grain aeration. Good weather throughout the week allowed producers to accelerate harvest activities. Minor showers were reported on

“We’re still a long way from being out of what might be considered a drought.” – John McGregor.

Rain offers slight reprieve for forages, later crops

Now is a good time to think about rejuvenating forages or to plan around damaged pastures for next year: experts

Late-August rains should boost soybean pod fill and raise hopes for late-season forage, say crop experts. “It’s going to have some very positive effects,” said John McGregor, extension specialist with the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA). “The guys are talking about seeing their pastures greening up a bit,” he added. Between August 16 and