Ahmed Abdelmagid, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), shared survey results at Manitoba Ag Days 2026 in Brandon earlier this winter.

WHY IT MATTERS: As white mould has become more common, it’s crucial for growers to pinpoint when and where the disease is likely to hit.

He said the disease, also known as sclerotinia, has emerged as the primary concern found during late-season field assessment, but noted that overall the intensity of the disease wasn’t high.

“White mould emerged as a most common one in 65 per cent of the fields surveyed … but the intensity was about 20 per cent,” Abdelmagid said.

The eastern region showed the highest severity at 72 per cent, while the southwest region saw the disease in 80 per cent of surveyed fields, though intensity remained relatively low at eight per cent.

The survey covered 72 fields across Manitoba’s six regions, with assessments conducted at both mid-season and late-season to capture diseases that appear at different growth stages. Manitoba producers seeded 1.6 million acres of soybeans in 2025, with 98 per cent precision seeded, achieving average yields of 45 to 50 bushels per acre.

Long-term challenge

White mould presents particular management issues because the fungus produces “survival structures” called sclerotinia that can persist in soil for up to 10 years.

“If it existed in one … field, this means it will last,” Abdelmagid said.

The disease requires specific environmental conditions to develop: temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Weather prediction and field history are critical for determining fungicide timing.

“If you have seen it recently, like in the previous season, for example, or previous two seasons, this means you have duration,” Abdelmagid said.

The survey was conducted by Manitoba Agriculture field staff including Dennis Lange, provincial pulse and soybean specialist with Manitoba Agriculture.

While mould pressure was more severe in the later part of the 2025 growing season, Lange said.

“In that August time period, we had lots of growth in a number of fields, and we saw more white mould this year than we have in previous years.”

Management options limited

Looking forward, it’s important for producers to assess exactly where in their fields white mould is likely to show up, usually in fields that do not have a lot of air movement or have very dense canopy.

“Growers may want to adjust their seeding rates down a little bit, just to compensate for that excess growth,” Lange said.

If the canopy is wet at the time of flowering, that increases the potential for white mould, he added.

Producers should apply fungicides just before flowering if the field has a white mould history and weather forecasts predict high rainfall and humidity during that critical window.

Management strategies include crop rotation, using tolerant varieties, reducing seeding rates and implementing wider row spacing, though Abdelmagid said no soybean varieties currently offer complete resistance to the disease.

Other diseases

Beyond white mould, the survey identified other key diseases affecting Manitoba soybeans. Bacterial blight and septoria brown spot were common during mid-season surveys, appearing in 85 per cent of fields, though their overall impact on yield remained minimal.

Northern stem canker and frogeye leaf spot continued to appear throughout the season. Phytophthora root rot, while less prominent in the survey, remains a critical disease requiring both genetic resistance and seed treatments for effective management.

“Genetic resistance, in combination with the seed treatments, is so critical to manage Phytophthora root rot,” Abdelmagid said.

Abdelmagid said he hopes to work with North Dakota on developing a weather-based prediction system for white mould similar to systems used in Ontario, which would help producers determine optimal spray timing.

The post White mould tops 2025 disease threats in Manitoba soybean fields appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

And every summer, the question was unanswered. Until now.

At a recent Crop Talk webinar, Manitoba Agriculture soil fertility expert John Heard drew attention to an Alberta study that sought to find an answer.

“I can report today on some fact-based science,” said Heard. “Our brethren in Alberta were funded by the pulse and wheat growers to actually do these studies.”

The study was published in April 2021 in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science. Research was conducted at three locations in Alberta between 2016 and 2018. It looked at the effects of two levels of simulated hail severity at three different crop developmental stages, including the early growth, mid-growth and late growth stages.

Plant growth and yield output for wheat, field peas and dry bean crops were measured.

Hail damage was simulated by whipping chains across the crop foliage to obtain crop defoliation, canopy crushing, and stem and leaf bending and bruising, similar to the effects of a hailstorm. The method was mechanized by attaching a series of short chains to a rotating drum mounted on a front-end loader and driving it over the plots at a controlled height and speed.

Golf balls were added to the ends of chains to mimic damage by hail stones of that size at one research station. Crop adjusters, who regularly assess damage due to hail, assisted with the calibration of hail simulators and assessments of crop damage at each simulated hail severity level.

Lower-severity hail damage reduced wheat yields by 24 per cent, dry bean yields by 17 per cent and pea yields by 37 per cent. For the heavier simulated hail damage, losses of 35 per cent for wheat, 35 per cent for dry beans, and 45 per cent for field peas were observed.

Hail timing was a critical factor, with hail damage during the early growth stage leading to a less severe yield reduction compared with hail damage at the mid-growth and late growth stages.

The study notes that certain commercial foliar fungicides and nutrient blends have been promoted as being effective recovery tools for hail-affected crops.

“Their application as recovery tools is based on the potential beneficial effects of fungicides and nutrient blends on crop physiology, including stress tolerance, delayed senescence and alteration in the activity of plant hormones and enzymes, in addition to disease control,” it reads.

However, the study indicated there is little to no benefit to applying these treatments after hail damage.

Averaging the hail severity, the timing of the hail and results from all three sites, wheat treated with fungicide yielded 63 bu./ac compared to 62 bu./ac for untreated.

For nutrient treatments, yields decreased to 61 bu./ac. Results were similar for the other crops. Peas treated with fungicide yielded 44.5 bu./ac compared to 44 bu./ac for untreated.

For nutrient treatments, yields decreased to 43.5 bu./ac. and for dry beans treated with fungicide, there was no increase in yield over the untreated control of 32 bu./ac, while treatments with nutrients decreased yield to 31 bu./ac.

The study concluded that foliar application of fungicides and nutrients didn’t aid recovery in any of the damaged crops at any growth stage.

“Applications of fungicides or nutritional supplements to hail-affected crops… are unlikely to provide any benefit to crop recovery or yield, and consequently result in a net economic loss to the producer,” read the report.

“I don’t think anyone ever asks me this question anymore,” said Heard. “We put a nail in that coffin.”

The post Hail damage rescue treatments ineffective appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

The U.S. potato industry, including potato producers directly south in North Dakota, have noted a substantial downturn in both boscalid fungicide efficiency and the wider group of SHDI fungicides in general, something that could rob them of one of their main tools against early blight.

In one study of 1,390 isolates across 11 states between 2010-15, about 97 per cent showed some form of SHDI resistance, according to data presented by Neil Gudmestad, a plant pathology professor at North Dakota State University. The researcher was among the speakers at the 2018 Manitoba Potato Production Days.

It’s a trend that has got bad enough that he is now calling for farmers to stop using Endura, a major boscalid-based fungicide and to keep a tether on other SHDI fungicides to limit resistance pressure.

“There are five mutations that can cause resistance to boscalid,” he said, adding that not all those mutations impact other SHDI products.

One of those, designated H278Y, is among the most common in the U.S., and is tied with very high resistance issues and has been a noted problem in the fields directly south of Manitoba.

Among the others, H134R actually originated in North Dakota, although it has since become widespread. H133R is mostly a concern in Idaho, while rising cases of D123E, and its resistance threat to newer chemistries as well as boscalid, have launched it to the top of Gudmestad’s concerns.

Gudmestad pointed to the geographic breath of the mutations, which not only impact different genes, but first emerged in a single region or state before spreading.

“What this tells us is that all of these mutations have been developed spontaneously and independent of each other and, what’s really amazing, about at the same time,” he said.

“What we’re talking about here is just basically evolution, but the selection pressure that is put on this fungus by this class of chemistry is really remarkable for that to happen,” he added.

The problem is not yet as severe in Manitoba, according to Dr. Vikram Bisht, potato and horticulture pathologist with Manitoba Agriculture.

Boscalid fungicides are not as popular in the province compared to the U.S., he noted. Instead, Manitoba producers have opted for chemistries like mancozeb or chlorolthalonil and have been applying them with more worry for late blight than early blight.

Late blight concern has overshadowed early blight in Bisht’s most recent Manitoba disease surveys.

“Both of these fungicides have multiple sites of activity against the fungus, so the fungi do not develop resistance to mancozeb or chlorolthalonil,” he said. “Because they’re part of the program of late blight disease control, early blight also gets controlled. You can say the use of boscalid has been rather limited in our province and maybe that is the reason that we don’t have as much of a problem with resistance as North Dakota does.”

At the same time, he said, air movement across the border still poses a risk for bringing in the resistant pathogen.

“It is on our radar because, in some cases, the variety may be too susceptible or sensitive to early blight and if the wrong fungicides or the fungicide against which the fungus has developed resistance (is used), then the fungicide is not going to work and that could lead to a fair amount of losses,” he said.

Manitoba Agriculture is pushing producers to rotate their chemistries to guard against resistance.

“They cannot continue to use the same product on and on again in the same season and especially not follow two fungicide applications with the same chemistry,” Bisht said.

Gudmestad and Bisht have previously teamed up to try and quantify boscalid resistance in Manitoba. In the study of 200 isolates from both North Dakota and Manitoba, the researchers found that half of those from Manitoba were still sensitive to the fungicide, Bisht said.

A 50-50 chance on resistance may not seem like reason to be optimistic. In comparison, however, the same study found a much more dire picture south of the border with the overwhelming majority of isolates resistant to boscalid.

Adding to the issue, isolates on both sides of the border showed mutations limiting vulnerability to azoxystrobin, another fungicide.

“Most of the isolates that we have in Manitoba and in North Dakota, I would say over 90 per cent have a moderate level of resistance to Quadris,” he said, referring to the current brand claiming azoxystrobin as an active ingredient. “Many of these fungicides have cross-resistance to other fungicides.”

Penthiopyrad might also be caught up in those cross-resistance issues, he said.

The post Fungicide issues worse in U.S. appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Field and forage crops, as well shelterbelts and farm infrastructure, were impacted by the storms. Crop damage, including lodging and stalk breakage, ranges from light to severe. Assessments are continuing.

The warmer temperatures benefitted all crops, particularly the warm season crops including corn, soybeans and sunflowers.

Disease pressure is being monitored, with reports of blackleg lesions and sclerotinia in canola, bacterial leaf blight in soybeans and fusarium head blight in winter and spring wheat.

First and second cut haying operations continue across Manitoba.

• Click here for the Crop Weather Report for the week ending July 24

Southwest Region

Scattered rainfall occurred throughout the Southwest Region last week; localized thunderstorms produced heavy precipitation and hail. Forrest and Brandon area received 75 to 80 mm while Hamiota, Shoal Lake, Deloraine, Virden and Melita received 5 to 20 mm. Strong winds across the region also resulted in some crop lodging. There was tornado damage south of Hartney. Symptoms of excess moisture are evident in crops. Producers continue to make hail claims.

Approximately 80 to 90 per cent of winter cereal acres are close to maturity. Preharvest applications are being made. Fusarium head blight can be found easily in most fields but at low levels. The extent of lodging within fields is variable. Spring cereals are in very good shape. About 70 per cent of the fields are at soft to hard dough stage, with the remaining 30 per cent in the milk stage. There are some reports of cereal aphids in spring wheat. In canola, 30 per cent of the acres have completed flowering; most advanced crops are in the southern areas of the region. Later seeded canola acres are advancing very quickly with the warm and humid weather conditions. Pod formation is well underway without any issues. Sclerotinia and blackleg are starting to appear in mostly lodged areas of the field.

Flax fields are at 70 per cent pod formation stage and done flowering. Peas and lentils are showing disease in majority of fields. High moisture conditions are creating more difficulties for these two crops. Most peas are now at pod filling stage. Most soybean fields are flowering and some have started pod formation. Sunflowers range in development from bud formation to early flowering stage. Corn is progressing well with no major problems.

Generally, fungicide applications are completed across the Southwest Region. enerally, fungicide applications are completed across the Southwest Region.

First cut hay is complete and there is strong growth for second cut with the moisture and warm weather conditions. Some producers are choosing to ensile alfalfa to retain feed quality and to try to have crop harvested prior to rainfall. Pastures are rated in good condition due adequate moisture. Dugouts are 100 per cent full.

Northwest Region

Thunderstorm activity throughout most of the Northwest Region over the past week resulted in variable rainfall amounts. Reported rainfall amounts ranged from 10 to 24 mm in the Roblin area to 10 mm in The Pas and 25 to more than 35 mm in the Swan Valley. Some crop lodging due to rain and/or wind is evident throughout the entire region. Soil moisture conditions are variable, ranging from adequate in most areas to excessive in some parts of the Swan Valley, The Pas and south of Ste Rose. Crops in these areas are showing the effects of excessive moisture with yellowing and crop loss in low lying areas.

In general, most field crops throughout the region continue to advance nicely and are in relatively good condition. With regards to crop stage of growth, fall rye and winter wheat crops are in the dough stage. The perennial ryegrass harvest has begun. Most spring wheat is in the milk to dough stage with some color change. Canola continues to develop rapidly. Approximately 40 per cent percent of the canola is flowering and 60 per cent is podded. Field peas are also advancing quickly. Reports indicate that about 25 per cent of the field peas are blooming and 75 per cent are podded. The majority of the soybeans are in the R1 to R3 stage of growth.

Aster yellows are reported in canola in the Swan Valley; low levels are reported to date. Due to wet field conditions at The Pas, some aerial fungicide applications have been made. Reports of disease and insect activity are minimal but producers continue to monitor crops closely for the presence of any pest activity.

Significant and frequent rains still pose challenges to first cut haying operations. Cereals for silage or greenfeed will be cut soon. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition.

Central Region

Temperatures were average to above average in the Central Region and humidex levels were uncomfortably high. A major storm system affected areas of the region, with strong winds causing significant damage to crops, buildings, grain bins and fence lines; power outages were also reported. Significant lodging and stalk breakage is seen in areas impacted by the high winds. Areas affected included Somerset, St. Leon, Manitou, and north of St.Claude, Haywood and Elm Creek. A tornado caused damage in Long Plains First Nation and Southport. Large hail also impacted a number of fields; many of which had already been impacted by hail earlier in the season.

Rainfall accumulations varied over the past week, but much of the region received 25 mm and more; accumulations as high as 150 mm were reported south of Morden. Standing water remains a concern. The more advanced crops are handling the higher rainfall amounts, although stand thinning is evident in those crops as well. Standing water is evident in low spots of fields.

Cereals continue to advance. Fall rye and winter wheat are progressing well. Fields are in good to excellent condition as they continue to mature. Fusarium head blight is evident in winter wheat. Some winter wheat was harvested late last week; no yield reports to date. Swathing has begun in some fields. Preharvest applications continue to be made and the crop will be harvested over the next couple of weeks. Fall rye harvest is expected to begin shortly, as conditions allow.

Heading stage is reached in all spring cereals. Lodging is reported in some of the earliest seeded fields; a result of high winds and thunderstorm activity. Some plants are starting to die back due to root rots; premature ripening is noticeable in scattered plants and adjacent to drains and low areas. Some perennial ryegrass is being cut. The later seeded canola is growing rapidly, and most is in full flower. Flowering is complete and pods are formed in the early seeded fields. Swathing is likely to start in three weeks. Some fields are doing surprisingly well, despite conditions. Lodging is evident, due to high winds and soft field conditions.

Corn is growing rapidly and has reached silking stage. Soybeans continue to flower and pod. Many fields range from R2 to R4 stage. Bacterial blight is evident in a number of fields. Flowering in peas continues and podding has begun. Stands look good where excess moisture is not an issue. Plants in low areas are starting to die back; more losses are expected due to poor/damaged roots. Edible beans are flowering, and fungicide applications continue. Flax continues to flower and boll formation has begun. Sunflowers have begun to flower and are being monitored for head insects.

The majority of fungicide applications in cereals and canola are now complete. Some spraying for aphids in canaryseed has taken place.

Insect monitoring continues for insects including lygus, aphids and grasshoppers, with numbers low to date. Beneficial predators are evident in good numbers in most fields.

Good growth of forages continues, but continuing wet conditions leave producers struggling with hay harvest. Some are ensiling to deal with the adverse conditions. Some greenfeed and cereals are being cut for silage. With late cutting of forages due to the wet weather conditions, nutritional value of forages is lower. Some second cut has been done. There is abundant grass growth in pastures. Livestock water supply is adequate.

Eastern Region

Rainfall accumulations in the Eastern Region varied from 10 mm to over 50 mm; higher precipitation levels occurred in northern and southern districts. Last week’s weather included more sunshine and heat which benefitted warm season crop development. However, those conditions also resulted in instances of fast moving thunderstorms, isolated heavy rainfall events and severe weather. Some instances of lodging and hail damage in crops during these storms were noted, as was some property damage. Generally, fields did become more accessible to ground traffic than in past weeks but humidity levels remained high and persistent rainfall events meant that progress in field drying was slower than desired. Loss of yield potential due to excess moisture continues to occur across the Eastern Region and some standing water in fields is evident, especially in northern and southern districts.

Winter cereals range from the soft to firm dough growth stages to almost mature in some instances. Pre-harvest applications were on-going last week where weather and appropriate crop stage allowed. Spring cereals range from late milk to soft dough stage. Canola and field peas are pod filling with flowering complete in both crops. The soybean crop is at the R3 (podding and early pod filing) growth stage. Sunflowers are transitioning from late bud development (R3 and R4) to early flowering (R5). Corn is tasselling and silking.

While reports of soybean aphids, pea aphids and cereal armyworms continue to be received, insect numbers are most often below economic thresholds and few insecticide applications have been warranted. In the case of field peas, concerns about pea aphids have subsided because of advancing crop development. Increased levels of Ascochtya complex in field peas have been found, along with root rot and premature dry down of plants in fields suffering from excess moisture stress. Crops planted into heavier textured clays soils with poor internal drainage have been most affected. Given the continued high humidity levels and frequent rainfalls, producers continue to monitor all crops including soybeans where foliar and stem diseases development is noted but remained below economic thresholds.

Across the region, the majority of hay land and pastureland is rated in good condition. Haying continues to be a challenge due to wet weather conditions. Approximately 25 per cent of region’s hay crop is harvested with 15 per cent baled or silage, an additional 10 per cent cut, and the remainder of the crop still standing. Quality of what was harvested is good, with first cut alfalfa hay yielding 2 tons per acre and first cut grass/alfalfa hay yielding 1.75 tons per acre. There is some second cut alfalfa being harvested from fields that were cut early for silage. Second cut haying progress is 40 per cent baled or silaged with 10 per cent cut and the remainder of the crop still standing. Second cut alfalfa hay was yielding 1.5 tons/acre. Pastures are generally rated in good condition; some areas are seeing excess moisture conditons. Availability of livestock water is adequate and dugouts are full.

Interlake Region

Temperatures were warmer over the past week in the Interlake Region; high humidity resulted in increased disease pressure and challenges for curing hay. Rainfall throughout the region varied from 2 to 40 mm.

Winter wheat ranges in development from the milk to hard dough stage. Some preharvest management of winter cereals is occurring. Majority of spring wheat is in milk and soft dough stages; late seeded wheat is still in flowering. Canola in many southern Interlake fields is in the pod stage, while most of canola in the northern Interlake is still flowering. Soybeans are in early to mid flowering; most fields are in good condition but some yellowing is noticed in low lying areas. Corn is entering the tassel stage. Flax is flowering and peas have started showing pods. Fungicide applications on canola and wheat are nearing completion; however, spraying on some late seeded crops is still in process.

Haying operations were stalled by rainfall and high humidity. Ensiling is a good alternative this year. Second growth of alfalfa is quite good and is minimally affected by alfalfa weevil. Native and grass hay yields continue to increase. Grasshopper damage to date is minimal. Pastures are in good to fair condition with some rotation of cattle onto ungrazed pastures. There is adequate water for livestock consumption.

The post Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 13 appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

The more favourable weather conditions are allowing some acres impacted by excess moisture to recover. However, continuing wet field conditions and symptoms of excess moisture continue to be noted across most regions. As fields continue to dry, the impact of the excessive moisture to yield potentials become more evident.

Fungicide applications are also on-going, with many producers opting for aerial application where fields remain too wet for ground application.

Sporadic rainfall, high humidity and excessive moisture continue to impact first cut haying operations in areas, although producers were able to make progress.

• Click here for the Crop Weather Report for the week ending July 3

Southwest Region

Most of the Southwest Region received rainfall over the past week. There was 15 to 50 mm of precipitation, with larger amounts coming in thunderstorms and in the south and eastern parts of the region. Water lying in fields is starting to cause crop to yellow and impact growth.

Cereal crops continue to progress under good growing conditions. Many earlier seeded fields are done flowering and have received a fungicide application. Later seeded fields are starting to head. Winter wheat and fall rye are in the head filling stage. Crop appears to be average to above average.

Canola is in various stages throughout the region with early seeded canola in full bloom and has had fungicide applied for sclerotina. Later seeded canola is starting to bolt. Crop is in good to excellent condition.

Soybeans are in the fourth to fifth trifoliate stage and are doing well. Some fields have plants that are yellowing due to moisture stress. Flax is in early flower stage and producers are scouting for fungicide application. Sunflowers and corn are in the vegetative stages and is progressing well in the warm, humid conditions.

Hay yields are average to above average with some harvesting issues due to wet conditions; some producers are opting to silage. Alfalfa weevil is causing damage in some areas. Pastures are rated in good condition with the recent rainfall. Dugouts are 90 per cent full.

Northwest Region

There was rainfall throughout the Northwest Region over the weekend, with amounts ranging from 10 mm in The Pas, up to 48 mm in parts of the Roblin area and from 17 to 100 mm in the Swan River Valley. There was severe winds and heavy rain early Monday in the Swan River area but possible impact on crops are not yet known.

For the most part, crops throughout the region are advancing nicely and are in good to excellent condition, with the exception of those crops recovering from excessive moisture and recent rainfall events. With regards to crop stage of growth, regionally, 20 per cent of the wheat is elongating and 80 per cent is heading. Canola growth has progressed rapidly over the past week although growth stage is, to some extent, variable within the same areas. Approximately 10 per cent of the later seeded canola is at the rosette stage, 40 per cent of the canola in the region is bolting and 50 per cent of the canola is flowering. Approximately 20 per cent of the field peas are in the vegetative stage of growth and 80 per cent are blooming. Most of the soybeans are in the vegetative stage of growth with some fields in flower.

Herbicide treatments are generally complete throughout the region. Fungicide applications to spring wheat and canola fields are being made where disease risk exists. Reports of insect and disease damage are limited.

Significant rainfall this past week slowed haying progress down. Many producers are waiting prior to cutting and those fields already cut have not been dry enough to bale with the frequent rains. Warm, dry weather is needed this week to dry up fields. In areas where showers were more scattered around Ste. Rose and McCreary, some fields were dry enough for baling. Silaging of alfalfa grass fields continues as well. Pasture growth is abundant with adequate water for livestock.

Central Region

Temperatures were variable this past week in the Central Region, but good crop growth was still seen. There was lower accumulation of rain for much of the region, but impact of previous heavy rains continues to be an issue. Showers continue to interfere with pesticide applications and haying operations, but some weather breaks allowed for many acres to see aerial fungicide applications. Highest amounts of rainfall in the region: Somerset 20 mm; Manitou 30 mm; and Notre Dame reported up to 100 mm. Scattered reports of hail continue, with some crop damage reported in the Somerset, Swan Lake and Notre Dame areas in Wednesday’s storm. Some areas saw additional accumulations of up to 15 mm on the weekend. Hail claims continue to be made for damage done in earlier storms.

Excess moisture continues to be the concern; more advanced crops have been better able to handle higher rainfall amounts, although stand thinning is evident in those crops as well. Yellowing of crop due to excess moisture is evident. Standing water is still prevalent in lower spots of fields. Ruts are visible in fields where herbicide applications had to be made in less than perfect conditions; these will present challenges at harvest. Ground rigs are struggling to make fungicide applications as fields are soft.

Cereals are growing rapidly and stem elongation has begun in all of the later seeded fields. Heading stage is reached in all spring cereals, dependent on seeding date. Fungicide applications continue, both to flag leaf and to headed wheat. Timing for fusarium head blight is a challenge due to uneven crop stages. Lodging is reported in some of the earliest seeded fields; a result of high winds and thunderstorm activity. The most advanced wheat fields have fully formed kernels.

The later seeded canola is growing rapidly, and most acres are bolting to early flower stages. Podding is seen in the most advanced fields. Fungicide applications continue as the crop comes into the correct stage. Where stands are not as good, particularly due to excess moisture and/or earlier frost injury, fungicide applications are not planned.

Corn is growing rapidly. Uniformity of stand is inconsistent in many fields. Soybeans are as advanced as the seventh trifoliate stage, depending on seeding date. Iron chlorois deficiency is noticeable in a number of fields, and some varietal differences are noted. Nodulation appears to be successful and nitrogen fixation has begun. Flowering has started. Second herbicide applications continue where timing and weed pressure warrant.

Flowering in peas continues and podding has begun. Stands look good where excess moisture is not an issue. Plants in low areas are starting to die back; more losses will be seen as soils dry due to poor/damaged roots.

Fall rye and winter wheat are progressing well. Fields are in good to excellent condition as they continue to mature. Fall rye harvest is expected to begin in the next two weeks.

Diamondback moth trapping is now complete; numbers to date are generally low to moderate for the region. Bertha armyworm trap numbers are low to moderate. Some minor grasshopper feeding reported. Pea aphids are being found during scouting, but numbers are below threshold. Monitoring continues in headed cereals. Although higher numbers of English grain aphid and bird-cherry oat aphid have been seen in some crop canopies since early May, presence of beneficial predators are keeping numbers below threshold.

Forages are growing quickly. Alfalfa is blooming and tame grasses are heading out. Haying continues; some are ensiling due to the frequent rains. The moisture has generally been beneficial to the hay and pasture, although some fields are quite wet. Average yields expected for first cut hay: alfalfa 1.5 to 2 tons per acre; grass/alfalfa 1.75 tons per acre; other tame hay 1.5 tons per acre. Up to 40 per cent of cutting and baling operations were not done last week due to rain events, and putting up dry hay continues to be a significant challenge. Livestock water supply is adequate.

Eastern Region

Rainfall accumulations in the Eastern Region were minimal over the past week. Field operations resumed as good drying weather prevailed. In northern districts, where more rain has fallen in past weeks, fields have also dried significantly and field operations resumed. However, producers were making ruts as conditions were still wet but passable. Loss of yield potential due to excess moisture continues to occur across the Eastern Region.

Winter cereals range from milk stage to early dough stage. Spring cereals range from head emergence to flowering. Canola development ranges from early to full flowering. Field peas are flowering. Most soybeans range from the third to sixth trifoliate leaf stage; plants have begun to flower. The yellowing in soybeans, attributed to excess moisture, iron deficiency chlorosis and transitional N deficiency symptoms, has begun to dissipate. Corn ranges from V12 to V13 and is looking very good.

First pass herbicide applications are complete in the Eastern Region. Second pass of glyphosate in soybeans will continue in northern districts where possible. Fungicide applications targeted at fusarium head blight suppression in spring cereals will wrap up later this week. Fungicide applications on canola are on-going. Up to 25 per cent of planned fungicide applications may be cancelled in northern districts because of the loss in yield potential caused by the recent excessive rainfall.

Across the region, the majority of hay land and pasture land is rated in good condition. Hay harvest continues, with most of the hay harvested as silage with very little as dry hay due to the wet conditions. First cut haying progress is reported as 15 per cent baled or silaged with an additional 10 per cent cut and the remainder of the crop still standing. Quality is rated as mostly good with alfalfa hay yielding 2 tons per acre and grass/alfalfa hay yielding 1.75 tons per acre. Pastures are in good shape with livestock grazing high spots in the fields as the low spots are saturated. Availability of livestock water is adequate.

Interlake Region

Warm temperatures and scattered showers were experienced throughout the Interlake Region last week. Rainfall amounts ranged from 5 to 35 mm. The majority of the week’s precipitation came on Sunday when a storm system moved in from the south. Arborg and Inwood received the highest amounts ranging from 20 to 35 mm while the rest of the Interlake Region received 5 to 15 mm. Parts of the South Interlake are still dealing with moisture issues from previous week’s rainfall.

Spraying continues as producers have started applying fungicides to spring wheat fields to suppress fusarium head blight. Spring cereals range from four to six leaf stage to heading. Some cereals planted for greenfeed in the North Interlake are at the two to four leaf stage. Winter wheat fields have finished flowering and are mostly in the milk stage. Canola staging varies from seedling to 30 to 40 per cent flowering. With ample moisture and warm temperatures soybeans and corn have developed rapidly. Corn staging ranges from V10 to V12. Soybeans are starting to yellow in areas due to moisture and iron chlorosis deficiency. Soybean staging varies from third to fifth trifoliate stage, and fields that were seeded later are at first to second trifoliate stage.

Majority of timothy seed fields have flowered. Alfalfa seed fields continue to flower as producers should complete bee release this week. Spraying fungicides on crops in areas of South and North Interlake is occurring by airplane to avoid making ruts in fields. Hopefully, with warm temperatures and dry conditions producers should be able to get back into fields mid-week. In some fields, producers are considering not spraying fungicides due to the poor crop conditions.

Haying has been hampered by periodic rains preventing hay from drying and curing. Alfalfa weevil pressure continues in some fields, and maturity of alfalfa is reducing hay quality. Native and grass hay yields continue to increase. Grasshopper damage so far is minimal. Pastures are in good condition.

The post Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 10 appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

The wet weather conditions continue to impact crops in many areas of the province as symptoms of excess moisture stress, including yellowing and slowed crop development are evident in many fields. Crop death has also been noted in the most severely impacted areas of the fields. It is anticipated that further crop damage will occur due to wet and saturated soil conditions.

Wet conditions also impacted herbicide and fungicide applications. Aerial application has increased as some fields are too wet for ground application.

In some areas, producers are assessing crop stands and yield potentials to justify further input costs.

In areas of Manitoba not impacted by excessive moisture conditions, crops are rated in good condition.

Rainfall, high humidity and excessive moisture continue to impact first cut haying operations, although producers in some areas are able to make progress.

• Click here for the Crop Weather Report for the week ending June 26

Southwest Region

Scattered showers through the week with thunderstorms on the weekend brought 20 to 80 mm of rainfall to the Southwest Region; some higher amounts recorded in isolated areas. Reports of high wind and some hail damage to crops. Symptoms of water stress are evident in low areas.

Winter wheat and fall rye are progressing well and fungicide applications on winter wheat are complete. Early seeded cereal crops are heading and producers are applying fungicide as conditions are favourable for fusarium head blight and leaf diseases. Later seeded cereals are approaching flag leaf stage.

Early seeded canola is bolting and starting to flower. Producers are preparing for fungicide applications as it approaches the 20 per cent bloom stage. Later seeded canola has cabbaged out. Majority of the canola crop looks good to excellent.

Soybeans have advanced with the warm, humid weather and are in the 3 to 4 trifoliate stage. Sunflowers and corn are advancing well. Flax is showing some moisture stress but overall is in good shape. Early seeded pea fields are flowering and most fields are in excellent shape.

No major insect issues as diamondback moth and bertha armyworm numbers remain fairly low.

Overall, hay crop looks good. There are some issues with cutting and baling because of rain. Some reports of alfalfa weevil doing some damage to alfalfa crops. Pastures are good. Dugouts are 90 to 100 per cent full.

Northwest Region

Rainfall amounts were extremely variable throughout the Northwest Region over the past week. Localized areas around and south of Ste. Rose and McCreary received up to 25 mm of rainfall, continuing to add to the already wet conditions. Crops in this area are yellowing due to excessive moisture and attempts to complete spray applications are challenging. Rainfall amounts north of Ste Rose through Dauphin, Swan River and The Pas ranged between 10 and 55 mm. The Swan Valley also received significant hail on Saturday. The extent of crop damage caused by that hail event is not yet known. Localized areas around Grandview and the Shellmouth received as much as 100 mm of rain over this reporting period. Soil moisture conditions range from adequate in most parts of the region to excessive in localized parts of the Laurier, McCreary, Grandview and Shellmouth areas where crop yellowing is evident due to excessive moisture.

In general, most crops throughout the area are advancing nicely, with the exception of those crops suffering from excessive moisture. Regionally, 5 per cent of the wheat is at the tillering stage of growth while 50 per cent is elongating and 45 per cent is heading. Approximately 10 per cent of the canola is at the seedling stage of growth, 60 per cent is at the rosette stage of growth and 30 per cent of the canola is bolting. Approximately 50 per cent of the field peas are in the vegetative stage of growth and 50 per cent are blooming. Most of the soybeans are in the vegetative stage of growth.

Herbicide treatments are nearing completion but wet field conditions are making some applications challenging. Fungicide applications to spring wheat are being made where disease risk exists. Reports of flea beetle activity have ceased in the Swan River Valley and The Pas, although there are still reports of their activity in the Roblin area. Reports of cutworm activity have also ceased. Diamondback moth monitoring trap populations continue to be highest in The Pas and Swan Valley areas.

Pastures are doing well. Haying operations are underway with more done in the eastern area. With alfalfa weevil pressure around Rorketon, more hay is harvested in that area and is at 20 per cent complete. Rain over the weekend will slow additional cutting until fields dry. Yields are variable ranging from below average, due to alfalfa weevil, to above average for newer forage stands.

Central Region

Showers through the week and thunderstorms on the weekend continued to interfere with field operations in the Central Region. Small sized hail was reported in the Morden area, while Somerset, Notre Dame, and Carman areas saw light to moderate hail with some crop damage. Much of the region received 15 to 35 mm of rain, with most areas in the 20 to 25 mm range. Highest rainfall amounts fell in the Somerset area, reaching accumulations of 80 mm, and St. Claude to Treherne at 75 to 100 mm. Some fields handled the rainfall well; in others, standing water is a concern, especially in the later seeded crops. Yellowing of crop due to excess moisture is evident. Strong winds were reported throughout the region on the weekend, with damage ranging from leaves and branches littering yards and roads, to downed bins and trees. Good drying weather and warmer temperatures would be most welcome, particularly for the warm season crops.

Excess moisture continues to be the concern; more advanced crops appear to be handling the higher rainfall amounts, although stand thinning is evident in those crops as well. Drown outs in low spots and drains are quite common. Standing water is still seen in some fields, and ditches are again full. Ruts are visible in fields where herbicide applications had to be made in less than ideal conditions; these will present challenges at harvest.

Cereals are growing rapidly, and stem elongation has begun in most of the later seeded fields. Barley is heading, and spring wheat has begun heading. Oats are at flag leaf stage with the most advanced fields starting to head. The majority of the cereals have received an herbicide application where field conditions allowed. Fungicide applications continue, both at flag leaf and head timings. Application timing for fungicide to suppress fusarium head blight is a challenge due to uneven crop staging.

The later seeded canola is growing rapidly. The majority of the fields are in the rosette stage, and a number have reached the bolting stage. Full flower is seen in the most advanced fields, and fungicide applications continue as the crop comes into the correct stage. Where stands are reduced, particularly due to excess moisture, fungicide applications are not planned.

Corn is growing rapidly. Uniformity of stand is inconsistent in many fields. Soybeans are in the second to fifth trifoliate stage, depending on seeding date. Iron deficiency chlorosis is becoming noticeable in a number of fields, and some varietal differences are noted. In the more advanced fields, nodulation is evident and nitrogen fixation has begun. First herbicide application is generally complete.

Peas have advanced, and fungicide application for leaf diseases continues. Flowering continues. Stands look good where excess moisture is not an issue. Plants in low areas are starting to die; more losses due to poor/damaged roots will be seen as soils dry out,

Fall rye and winter wheat are progressing well. Fields are in good to excellent condition as they continue to mature.
Diamondback moth trapping is now complete; numbers to date are generally low to moderate for the region. Bertha armyworm trap numbers are low to moderate. Some minor grasshopper feeding reported. Pea aphids are being found during scouting, but numbers are below threshold.

No reports of significant disease pressure in crops to date. Some tan spot and septoria is noted in spring wheat fields. Scattered reports of rust in wheat are becoming more common. Fungicide applications to canola and cereals have moved to aerial applications after the weekend rains. Many hope ground applications will continue as conditions improve.

Forages are growing quickly. Alfalfa is blooming and tame grasses are heading out. Some alfalfa weevil is present; those fields have been cut to reduce damage. First cut dairy quality haying continues; some are ensiling due to the frequent rains. Average yields expected for first cut hay are alfalfa 2 tons per acre; grass/alfalfa 1.75 tons per acre; other tame hay 1.5 tons per acre. Up to 40 per cent of cutting and baling operations were not done last week due to rainfall. Wet fields and high humidity will make it challenging to put up dry hay. Livestock water supply is adequate.

Eastern Region

While rainfall accumulations in central and southern districts of the Eastern Region ranged from less than 10 mm to about 25 mm, accumulations in northern districts ranged from 70 mm to over 140 mm. Most of that rainfall occurred during severe thunderstorms that began late Friday night and continued through Saturday. Rain, ranging from mist and drizzle to heavy downpours also occurred throughout most of Sunday.

In southern and central districts, standing water is evident in some fields and where standing water has run off, low spots remain saturated. Saturation level of fields varies from area to area with the best areas looking to resume field operations this week if good drying weather continues. In northern districts, standing water is evident on every field. Water is moving off fields but ditches, rivers and streams are running at the high levels.

Field operations, which were already halted for the most part, will not be resuming this week. Some fungicide applications by plane may occur. While loss of yield potential due to excess moisture continues to occur across the Eastern Region, it is most severe in northern districts. Producers are curtailing further investment in some fields based on yield potential. Good drying weather and no rain during the coming weeks will be important.

Winter cereals range from late heading and flowering to the milk stage. Spring cereals range from flag leaf stage to head emergence. Except for very late seeded crop, canola ranges from bolting to early flowering. Fields in some areas have plants which are bolting and flowering prematurely. Field peas are moving into early flowering. Most soybeans range from the second to fifth trifoliate leaf stage with reduced plant growth noted. Yellowing in soybeans is also noted and attributed to excess moisture, iron deficiency chlorosis and transitional N deficiency symptoms. Corn ranges from V11 to V12. In terms of crop condition across the Eastern Region, winter cereals are tolerating the excess moisture conditions the best.

First pass herbicide applications are mostly complete in the Eastern Region. Fields that remains to be sprayed with herbicides may be out of stage before they become accessible, particularly in northern districts. Fungicide applications targeted at fusarium head blight suppression in winter cereals are complete. Fungicide applications targeting flag leaves in spring cereals are mostly complete. In areas where fields can be accessed, fungicide applications targeted at fusarium head blight suppression in spring cereals will begin later this week. Fungicide applications on early seeded canola have started and will continue in areas with field access. In northern districts, aerial applications of fungicide are expected. Further, up to 25 per cent of planned fungicide applications may not occur in northern districts because of the loss in yield potential caused by the recent excessive rainfall.

Across the region, the majority of hay and pasture is rated in good condition. Hay fields are starting to be cut with most of the hay harvested as silage due to wet conditions. Pastures are in good shape with livestock grazing high spots in the fields as the low spots are wet. First cut haying progress is noted as 15 per cent baled or silaged with an additional 10 per cent cut and the remainder of the crop still standing. Quality is noted as good with alfalfa hay yielding 2 tons per acre and grass/alfalfa hay yielding 1.75 tons per acre. Availability of livestock water is adequate.

Interlake Region

Warm temperatures and scattered showers the past week have resulted in areas of the Interlake Region with excess moisture issues. During the weekend, areas of region received rainfall amounts ranging from 8 to 50 mm. Scattered areas throughout the Interlake Region did receive some hail, but with preliminary assessment did not appear to have damaged field crops.

With the last acres being seeded and the first round of herbicides wrapping up, crops are rapidly developing in the warm moist conditions. In areas however, excess moisture is impacting crops and is evident with crop yellowing and low, drowned out areas. Spraying at the heading timing in winter wheat is complete in both North and South Interlake. Spring wheat is expected to be sprayed closer to the end of the week in the South Interlake. Some producers are spraying fungicides at flag leaf stage due to the moist, warm conditions which promotes leaf disease. Earlier seeded fields of canola will be sprayed with fungicides later this week as fields reach 20 to 30 per cent bloom stage. Canola staging varies from emerging to 30 per cent bloom in the Interlake Region. Soybeans staging varies from first to third trifoliate. Iron deficiency chlorosis is noticeable in some soybean fields. Peas have started to flower. Corn staging varies from V7 to V9. Forage grasses continue to head out and early season grasses have completed flowering. Alfalfa seed fields have started to bloom and bee release is expected to occur throughout the week.

Well managed hay stands are withstanding the excess moisture better than poorly managed stands. Warm temperatures and variable rains this past week encouraged hay and pasture development and growth of forages. Alfalfa is in the early to late bloom stage. Alfalfa weevil and aphids on hay stands are resulting in yield and quality losses.

Pastures are rated in good to excellent condition and are supplying feed in excess of what is normally expected for this time of year. There is adequate water for livestock.

The post Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 9 appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Excess moisture conditions in some areas of Manitoba are impacting crop growth, particularly in the lower areas of the fields. Crop yellowing is evident. Wet field conditions also continue to hamper some field operations.

Weed control, and fungicide applications where warranted, will remain a priority for producers as crop development advances. Fungicide applications in winter wheat for leaf disease control and suppression of fusarium head blight has started.

Dairy producers continue with first cut haying operations.

• Click here for the Crop Weather Report for the week ending June 12

Southwest Region

In the Southwest Region, there were good growing conditions early in the week with plenty of moisture and warmer temperatures. Rainfall towards the end of last week and into the weekend brought variable precipitation, with amounts ranging from 20 to 50 mm. The additional moisture is causing moisture stress in low areas of the fields and hindered most field operations.

Seeding is complete in the Southwest Region, except for a few fields that did not get planted before the rain. Most spring cereal crops range in development from five leaf to early flag leaf stage. Many producers are planning to spray fungicide for leaf diseases, if conditions warrant application. Canola is looking good and most fields are in the rosette stage. There are reports of spraying for flea beetles and cutworm in later seeded fields. Corn and sunflowers are emerging well. Soybeans are responding positively to the higher temperatures and good moisture conditions. Most fields range in development from unifoliate to second trifoliate stage. Field peas are looking promising. Some low areas in the fields are showing signs of stress and disease.

Winter cereals are entering the reproductive stages of development with most fall rye fields at heading stage and most winter wheat fields at full flag leaf stage or even some advance fields starting to head. Some fungicide application in winter cereals is reported.

Post-emergent herbicide applications continue with progress estimated at 60 to 70 per cent complete. Some producers are waiting for fields to dry.

Forages advanced over the past week with the recent rainfall. Grass hay is responding well to the moderate temperatures and adequate moisture. Producers have cattle out on pasture, with pastures in good condition. Dugouts are 95 per cent full.

Northwest Region

Temperatures and rainfall amounts were extremely variable throughout the Northwest Region over the past week. Localized areas around Ste. Rose, Laurier and McCreary received up to 75 mm of rainfall, adding to the already wet field conditions. Crops in this area are yellowing due to excessive moisture. Rainfall amounts north of Ste Rose through Dauphin, Roblin and Swan River ranged between 12 and 28 mm. Soil moisture conditions range from adequate in most parts of the region to excessive in localized parts of the Laurier/McCreary area and the Roblin area.

Seeding operations in the Northwest Region are nearing completion. In general, crop emergence is quite uniform. Most crops throughout the region are progressing well with the exception of those crops impacted by excess moisture conditions. As well, some crops in the Swan Valley that were reseeded due to cutworm damage have yet to emerge. Regionally, 70 per cent of the wheat is at the tillering stage of growth while 30 per cent is elongating. Approximately 20 per cent of the canola is emerging, 80 per cent is seedling and 10 per cent is at the rosette stage of growth. Most of the field peas are in the vegetative stage of growth, while approximately 30 per cent of the soybeans are in the vegetative stage.

Herbicide treatments continue as field conditions allow and as crops reach the proper stage for application. There continue to be reports of flea beetle activity in some canola fields in the Swan River Valley, Roblin and The Pas areas but injury caused by this pest has been minimal. As well, there continue to be cases of cutworms at and above threshold levels in canola, field peas and corn crops in the Swan River Valley. Some of those fields required treatment for cutworms and others had to be reseeded. There were also reports of cutworms at economic thresholds requiring treatment in both The Pas and Roblin areas. Diamondback moth monitoring trap populations continue to be highest in The Pas and Swan Valley areas.

Drier areas north of Swan River and south of Roblin welcomed last week’s rain as forage growth will benefit from the rain. Majority of pastures and hay fields in the area are in good to very good condition, with the exception of areas south of Ste. Rose and McCreary. These areas received 76 mm of rain last week made pastures and fields soft, so any additional moisture will make moving around on them a challenge. Grasses are heading out and the most advanced alfalfa fields are showing a few flowers. Haying has begun for dairy producers but last week’s rain made it challenging to put up high quality feed.

Central Region

Rain showers and thunderstorms were widespread throughout the Central Region, along with strong winds. Western areas saw higher accumulations: Pilot Mound 50 mm; Manitou, Somerset, Clearwater 45 mm, Elm Creek 55 mm and south of Carman 45 mm. Most other areas received 18 to 35 mm of precipitation.

Seeding is reported to be essentially complete in the region. Recent emergence has been rapid with warmer temperatures and moisture. Standing water is a concern in some fields, especially in the later seeded crop; the more advanced crops are better able to handle higher rainfall amounts, although stand thinning is evident in those crops as well. Crop yellowing due to excess moisture is evident; good drying conditions are needed, especially for the heavier clays. Crop was damaged in low spots of many fields, and is more evident in the later seeded fields. Some seeding/re-seeding of canola was delayed due to rainfall; some of those fields are still too wet to seed. The last of the edible beans have been seeded, but some fields will likely be reseeded due to excess moisture causing poor stands.

Cereals are growing rapidly, and most fields are tillering. A few of the most advanced fields are close to flag leaf stage. Canola seeding is almost complete; very few fields remain to be seeded or re-seeded. The crop is now emerging rapidly, and earlier seeded fields are reaching the rosette stage and starting to cabbage. Corn is in the V1 to V5 stage; growth is rapid with the recent moisture and warmer temperatures. Soybean seeding is complete. Fields are in the unifoliate to third trifoliate stage, depending on seeding date; there is rapid growth with the recent warmer temperatures. Where emergence is patchy, some targeted re-seeding has taken place. Post-emergent rolling is occurring in some areas. Peas have advanced, and most are beyond staging for Group 2 herbicides. Yellowing is evident where herbicide applications were made out of the recommended leaf staging. Plants are fairly short due to the earlier cool temperatures and dry soil conditions. Those fields that didn’t receive a pre-plant or pre-emergent herbicide application are suffering from significant weed pressure.

Fall rye is headed and flowering; winter wheat is starting to head out. Some fungicide applications will be made this week for fusarium head blight suppression in winter wheat.

Herbicide treatments continue in all crops as field and weather conditions allow, but applications continue to be a challenge due to timing, rapid weed emergence and growth, and field conditions. Fields are soft, and ruts are visible in some of the wettest fields. The majority of cereal crops have received a herbicide application. Although herbicide applications resumed, on the wettest fields there is little chance of applications being made until the end of the week depending on weather conditions.

Diamondback moth numbers to date are generally low to moderate for the region. Some cutworm activity is reported, with some fields requiring treatment of affected areas. Total area affected is minimal. Flea beetle pressure continues to be a concern in a limited amount of later seeded canola fields. No reports of significant disease pressure in crops to date. Some tan spot is noted in spring wheat fields, and stripe rust was reported in winter wheat.

Forages are growing quickly with alfalfa in early flower stage up to 76 cm in height and tame grasses are heading out. First cut dairy quality haying continues; some producers are ensiling, due to the frequent rains. The moisture is generally beneficial to the hay and pasture. Livestock water supply is adequate.

Eastern Region

Rainfall accumulation in the Eastern Region over the last week was variable and ranged from 13 mm to greater than 75 mm. Localized storm cells in the last half of the week resulted in higher rainfall accumulations in some areas, particularly in northern districts. Standing water in fields is very evident in higher rainfall areas and some loss in yield potential is occurring due to excess moisture stress and delayed weed control. Spraying progress was made, particularly during the first half of the week. Producers are concerned with currently not being able to spray and are looking for good drying conditions in the coming week. Topsoil moisture conditions on crop land are rated from adequate to surplus across the Eastern Region with surplus conditions most noted in northern districts.

Seeding is nearly complete in the Eastern Region with very limited unseeded acres left. Some producers have decided to summerfallow or chemfallow the remaining unseeded acres at this point. Winter cereals are heading. Spring cereals are at advanced tillering. Most canola is in rosette. Most soybeans range from the first to third trifoliate leaf stage. Field peas range from 4 to 8 nodes.

First pass herbicide applications are about 75 per cent complete in the Eastern Region. By crop type, applications in spring cereals are about 90 per cent complete, canola 80 per cent, soybeans 70 per cent and field peas 90 per cent complete. First pass corn herbicide applications are done. Some second pass herbicide applications in soybeans have started. Fungicide applications targeted at fusarium head blight suppression in winter wheat are expected to start by the end of this week. Continued concerns about powdery mildew in winter wheat are noted.

Across the region, the majority of hay land is rated in good condition with 25 per cent of pasture land rated excellent, 50 per cent rated good and 25 per cent rated fair. Haying has started on first cut alfalfa and most of what was cut was made into silage. Yields are reported as average. Livestock are on pasture with some pastures demonstrating lush growth after last week’s rainfall. Availability of livestock water is adequate.

Interlake Region

There were scattered showers throughout the Interlake Region over the past week with accumulations ranging from 5 to 15 mm of rainfall. On Thursday evening, Selkirk area received 35 mm. Fields in the Interlake Region are showing signs of excess moisture stress, including yellowing crops or drowned out low spots. Despite the rainfall during the week, warm temperatures and strong winds did dry some fields allowing producers to wrap up seeding or to start spraying. As field conditions dry up in the North Interlake, the remaining acres should be planted soon.

Spraying herbicides are on-going as producers select fields they can travel in without causing too many ruts. Spraying is estimated to be 30 to 40 per cent complete in the Interlake Region. With warm temperatures and an abundance of moisture, crops have rapidly developed in the last week. Winter wheat has started to head and fungicide timing is expected to be closer to the end of the week for fusarium head blight suppression. Spring cereals continue to tiller and some very early seeded wheat has started show signs of flag leaves. Soybeans are in the unifoliate to first trifoliate stage. Canola staging is more scattered as some fields are just starting to emerge and others are much further advanced. Corn stages range from 4 to 6 leaf and sunflowers are in the 2 leaf stage. Forage grass seed fields have started to head out and alfalfa seed fields continue to grow.

Flea beetle pressure in areas of the North Interlake has been high enough that some producers have sprayed. Diamondback and bertha armyworm counts are low.

Cool temperatures and rainfall this past week encouraged hay and pasture development and growth of forages. Alfalfa is in the late bud stage. Pastures are rated in good to excellent condition and are supplying feed in excess of what is normally expected for this time of year. Most cattle are on pasture and there are adequate water supplies.

The post Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 7 appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Swathing or preharvest applications in the earliest-seeded spring cereal fields has started.

The majority of spring seeded crops are either grain-filling or podding, with some of the later seeded crops finishing up flowering.

• Click here for the Crop Weather Report for the week ending August 3

Southwest Region

In the Southwest Region, warmer temperatures are speeding crop maturity. A large storm system that moved from Pierson to Hamiota on July 27, resulted in varying amounts of precipitation; rainfall amounts ranged from 25 to 125 mm across the region. The storm system also resulted in an EF2 tornado that tracked from south of Tilston to north of Virden, spending approximately 3 hours on the ground. Crops such as corn, sunflower and oats were severely lodged in the path of the tornado, whereas areas further from the path location also sustained heavy crop lodging. Some hail damage in Souris, Wawanesa and Minto areas was reported as well.

Most winter cereals are close to physiological maturity. Low fusarium head blight levels in winter wheat and low ergot levels in fall rye continue to be reported. Initial winter wheat harvest has begun in the Brandon and eastern areas of the region, with average yields reported.

Canola crops responded favourably to the cooler temperatures and recent rainfall. The earliest canola fields are at the pod filling stage of development, while most reseeded fields are finishing flowering. Some early seeded barley, wheat and oats are also nearing maturity, whereas late seeded cereals are still in hard dough stage.

Flax fields are coming out of flower and are experiencing some lodging due to the recent heavy thundershowers. Field peas are starting to dry down. Some pea harvest has begun in the Rivers area with average to slightly above average yields reported. Increased levels of mycosphaerella are being reported in later seeded field peas as a result of the cooler and wetter conditions.

Corn is in full tassel. Sunflowers entered early to mid-flower stages. Lygus bugs are affecting some sunflower stands. Soybeans continue to respond well to the excellent growing conditions with many crops now advanced into the late R3 (pod initiation) to R4 (full pod) stage of development.

Hay and pasture conditions across the Southwest Region continue to be variable. First cut hay is complete and native hay is being harvested. Generally, yields are 50 to 75 per cent of average. Second cut growth is advancing well where first cut was taken early and there is adequate moisture. Harvest of greenfeed cereals are beginning. Dugout levels remain steady at 80 per cent full.

Northwest Region

A major weather system moving through most of the Northwest Region over the past week resulted in 38 to 51 mm of rain reported for most of the area, and 101 to 152 mm reported in the McCreary and Ste Amelie areas. Daytime temperatures were warm with brisk to strong winds reported. Soil moisture conditions improved over the past week and are adequate in most parts of the Northwest Region.

Crops in the Northwest Region are reported to range from good to poor condition. Some of the heavier crops lodged as a result of the heavy rains and winds experienced last week, particularly canola.

Approximately 10 per cent of the winter wheat crop is in the dough stage of development and 90 per cent is mature. About 10 per cent of the spring wheat crop is at the milk stage of growth with the remaining 90 per cent in the dough stage. Some rye and barley has been harvested in the southern part of the region. Preharvest glyphosate applications have begun.

Canola improved significantly over the week as the crop continues to develop rapidly. Approximately 50 per cent of the canola crop is at some stage of flowering while about 50 per cent is podded. Approximately 90 per cent of the corn crop is in the V6 to V13 stage of growth and 10 per cent is tasseling. For soybeans, 30 per cent of the crop is flowering with 70 per cent podded. About 30 per cent of the flax crop is flowering with the remaining 70 per cent at the boll stage of growth.

Crop insect pest activity throughout the region has been low, and producers continue to monitor crops closely for any signs of insect pest activity.

It is estimated that 75 per cent of first cut hay is complete with below average yields in most parts of the Northwest Region. Cutting of native hay has begun. Harvesting of annual forages for greenfeed and silage is also underway. Pastures are in average to good condition.

Central Region

Warm and humid weather conditions continued in the early week, allowed for rapid crop growth in the Central Region. Temperatures moderated mid-week. Most areas have adequate moisture and heavy morning dews are common. Unsettled conditions remain and showers and thundershowers continue. Rainfall amounts varied from a few millimeters to as much as 35 mm. There are reports of damaging hail in the Letellier, Dominion City and Ridgeville areas. Hail damage resulted in defoliation of soybean plants, pod loss and shattering in canola, and flattened sunflowers; fields are being assessed. Rain and winds resulted in many lodged cereal crops.

Cereal crops throughout the region look good and some of the lodged cereal fields have recovered to a certain degree. However, harvest will be a challenge in many spring wheat fields and yield loss of some degree is expected. Fusarium head blight levels appear to be much lower than last year in both winter and spring wheat.

Harvest of winter wheat and fall rye has begun. Early yields of winter wheat are reported in the 60 to 85 bu/ac range. Some spring wheat is harvested; no yield reports to date. Harvest management applications continue in spring wheat fields.

There is a wide range in canola development due to the varied seeding dates. Reseeded canola fields from the late May frost are almost done flowering. Some canola fields have been opened up with a swathed round or two; the odd field has been swathed. Many fields are lodged due to heavy winds.

Sunflowers are flowering. Monitoring continues for insects, and staging is being done for fungicide application. Sunflower beetle numbers are low. Corn is growing rapidly. Fields are silking with cobs are starting to form.

Soybeans continue to flower and form pods. Some fields are showing increasing damage due to excess moisture and subsequent root rots. Some fungicide applications are being made. Reports of soybean aphids are becoming more common, but are well below economic threshold to date.

Edible beans are flowering, and fungicide applications continue. Environmental conditions are conducive for white mould. Bacterial blight is reported in cranberry and kidney types; other varieties can also be affected. With recent heavy rains some fields are showing stress symptoms of yellowing. Overall most fields look good. Pea fields are mostly done flowering and the majority podded.

Diamondback moth and bertha armyworm trap counts are average to low for the season indicating a low to moderate risk of damage from these canola pests. Lygus bugs are found in canola fields, but numbers are below threshold levels in most cases. Insecticide applications have taken place where sunflower head insect populations have warranted. Wild oat plants are emerging above the crops in patches, as are other later emerging weeds in thinner areas of fields. Weed growth is noticeable in lodged cereal fields.

Hay harvest continues in the Central Region but has been difficult with the high humidity and recent rains. Greenfeed is being cut for forage. Hay yields are expected to be near normal and at quantities sufficient for wintering supplies. Pastures are lush with abundant rain and warmer temperatures. Alfalfa weevil damage is visible in some of the alfalfa/grass fields.

Eastern Region

In the Eastern Region, the weather during the previous week was highly variable. Cool temperatures with drizzle alternated with sunny weather or significant rainfall that sometimes included isolated severe weather events. Rainfall accumulations ranged from trace amounts to over 30 mm. Some isolated, severe hailstorms occurred in southern districts. Across the Eastern Region, fields continue to show evidence of standing water and areas where crop is drowned out and is more prevalent in central and southern districts. Soil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as adequate to surplus.

Spring cereal crops are in the soft to hard dough growth stages. Winter wheat is mature and some harvesting and swathing started over the weekend. Canola is pod filling. Soybeans range from R3 to R5. Sunflowers are in R5 growth stages with corn silking. Damage from sclerotinia is noted in canola fields that were not sprayed with fungicide at flowering.

Across the region, the majority of hay and pasture lands are in good condition. Haying was back to full swing with 30 to 50 per cent of the feed being put up. Second cut alfalfa is 50 per cent completed. For first cut hay, it is estimated that 25 per cent is standing, 15 per cent is cut and 60 per cent is baled or put up as silage. For second cut hay, it is estimated that 50 per cent is standing, 20 per cent is cut and 30 per cent is baled or put up as silage. Quality is rated as good. Availability of livestock water is adequate.

Interlake Region

Precipitation and cooler temperatures were experienced in the Interlake Region last week. Rainfall amounts varied throughout the region. Moosehorn received the most precipitation with just over 40 mm, Selkirk 30 mm, and the rest of the region amounts between 10 to 20 mm of rainfall. Cool temperatures moved in with daytime highs between 20 to 25 C and night time temperatures dipping below 10 C.

Harvesting of winter wheat and barley has begun in the Interlake Region. Winter wheat crops are coming in with reports of yields in the 65 to 70 bu/ac range with little to no fusarium damaged kernels in samples. Barley yields are ranging from 70 to 80 bu/ac with good quality. Spring wheat and oats continue to mature with some spring wheat possibly receiving preharvest applications towards the end of the week, into the beginning of next week. Soybeans continue to flower and fill pods, corn is at the tassel stage and sunflowers are flowering.

Canola fields are nearly finished flowering with some early seeded fields starting to show coloured seeds in the bottom pods. Lygus bugs in canola are being monitored as populations are approaching thresholds in parts of the North Interlake. Some spraying occurring in alfalfa seed fields for weevils and lygus bugs. Timothy and other grass seed fields are being swathed with some fields going to be combined towards the end of the week.

Clearer weather allowed some much needed progress with haying this past week. Cereals have started to be cut and ensiled. Pastures are holding up quite well with the numerous showers during the past four weeks. Some second cut alfalfa has been taken with good yields; in some cases second cut yielded higher than first cut due to spring frosts and somewhat drier conditions in June. Availability of water for livestock is adequate.

The post Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: Issue 14 appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Harvest of winter wheat and fall rye is expected to start this week. To date, low disease pressure is noted in the winter cereal crops.

Thunderstorms of varying severity resulted in excess moisture, hail activity and lodging of crops across some areas of Manitoba.

• Click here for the Crop Weather Report for the week ending July 26

Southwest Region

Scattered, isolated showers were reported throughout much of the Southwest Region. Precipitation accumulations varied significantly, with 30 to 35 mm in the Deloraine and Carberry areas, and 5 to 20 mm in the remainder of the region. Some hail activity was also reported.

In general, the past week produced beneficial growing conditions in the Southwest Region. Crop conditions are rated as good. Approximately 90 per cent of the winter cereals are at the hard dough stage; low fusarium levels are reported. Ergot levels are also reported very low in fall rye. All spring cereals are maturing fast due to hot and humid weather conditions. Most fields are at soft to firm dough stage. Some leaf diseases and fusarium head blight can be seen in spring wheat but levels are very low. Lodging is very visible in some fields.

The later seeded canola crop is advancing rapidly due to favourable weather conditions. About 75 per cent of the canola crop is in late flower to early pod stage, and 25 per cent is podding. Most canola acres received fungicide for sclerotinia. No major insect activity is noted.

Field peas are podding, and in some cases are near to maturity, especially in moisture stress conditions. Aphids are reported in some fields but there is no harm to the crop at this stage of development; natural enemies are controlling populations as well. Most flax fields have finished flowering and are starting pod development.

Soybeans continue to respond well to the excellent growing conditions and have experienced rapid growth. Most soybeans are in the R3 (pod initiation) stage of development.  Sunflowers are flowering. A few lygus bugs are evident and some control measures have been undertaken.

Hay field and pasture conditions across the Southwest Region are variable, due to a range in excess moisture to extended dry conditions. Sporadic moisture over the past week helped with pasture growth and hay regrowth in the drier areas of the region. First cut hay is mostly complete and native hay is beginning to be harvested. Generally, yields are below average. Greenfeed cereals are nearing harvest stage. Dugout levels remain steady at 80 per cent full on average.

Northwest Region

Unsettled weather over the past week caused isolated thunderstorms in some parts of the Northwest Region. Soil moisture conditions range from dry in some parts of the Swan Valley to adequate in most other areas of the region.

Generally, cereal crops in the Northwest Region are reported to be in good to fair condition. Symptoms of dry moisture conditions are evident in some wheat fields, especially in the Swan River Valley where plants in areas of some fields are stunted and maturing rapidly. Cereal crops in The Pas are reported to be in excellent condition.  Approximately 90 per cent of the winter wheat crop is in the dough stage of growth and about 5 per cent of that crop is ripe. About 70 per cent of the spring wheat crop is at the milk stage of growth with the remaining 30 per cent in the dough stage.

Canola ranges from very good to poor, mostly because of earlier dry conditions causing poor and non uniform emergence of some reseeded fields. However, canola improved significantly over the week as the crop continues to develop rapidly. Approximately 80 per cent of the canola crop is at some stage of bloom while about 20 per cent is podded.

Approximately 90 per cent of the corn crop is in the V6 to V13 stage of growth, and 70 per cent of the soybean crop is blooming and 30 per cent is podded. About 85 per cent of the flax crop is flowering with the remaining 15 per cent at the boll stage of growth.

Weed control looks adequate for most of the crops in the region, but wild oat escapes have appeared in some wheat fields. Most fungicide applications are complete on those fields requiring treatment.

Insect activity throughout the region is relatively low but producers are continuing to scout their crops for the presence of any unwanted insect activity.

Haying was generally in full swing, although localized showers did stall some haying operations.  Producers are putting up hay in good condition due to little to no rain, but quality may be impacted by the lateness of first cut. Yields are average to below average in most parts of the North Parkland and Valleys North. Pastures are average with adequate moisture and water supplies are adequate.

Central Region

Warm and humid weather conditions in the Central Region, allowing for rapid crop growth. Most areas have adequate moisture. Unsettled weather conditions later in the week and on the weekend resulted in heavy thundershowers, with some reports of hail. Most of the region received rainfall with amounts ranging from 5 to 125 mm. Rain and winds resulted in many lodged cereal crops. The heavy rainfall in some areas also led to field runoff and filling up of ditches temporarily.

Harvest of winter wheat and fall rye is expected to start this week with many fields at maturity. Harvest management products have been applied on many fields in preparation for harvest. Spring cereal crops throughout the region look good and some of the lodged cereal fields have recovered somewhat. Most fungicide applications are complete. Fusarium head blight levels appear to be low in the wheat crop.

There is a wide range in canola development due to the varied seeding dates. Reseeded canola fields are still flowering but many of the most advanced fields are finishing flowering and pods are filling.

Sunflowers are growing well and are starting to flower. Monitoring continues for insects, and staging is being done for fungicide application. Sunflower beetle numbers are low. Corn development ranges from tasseling to finishing silking. Soybeans are flowering and pods are developing on the lower parts of the plants. Excellent growth is reported in majority of soybean fields. Some fungicide applications are being made. There are reports of soybean aphids in the Winkler area, but populations are well below economic levels.

Edible beans are flowering, and fungicide applications continue as environmental conditions are conducive for white mould. Bacterial blight is reported in cranberry and kidney types. With recent heavy rains, some fields are showing stress symptoms of yellowing. Pea fields are mostly done flowering, with the majority podded. Irrigation continues in potato and vegetable crops in the Portage area.

Diamondback moth and bertha armyworm trap counts are average to low for the season indicating a low to moderate risk of infestation from these canola pests. Lygus bugs are being found in canola fields, but numbers are below threshold levels. Grasshopper nymphs are present at field edges and on roadsides, at average populations to date. True armyworms are found in cereal fields, particularly in lodged areas. Most fields do not have sufficient numbers to warrant control. Corn borer numbers are reported to be approaching threshold levels in the Portage area.

Alfalfa second cut is underway but the harvest is challenging given the recent rainfall events and high humidity. Hay yields are expected to be near normal. Pastures are looking good with abundant rain and warmer temperatures. Alfalfa weevil damage is visible in some of the alfalfa/grass fields.

Eastern Region

In the Eastern Region, warm temperatures and high humidity levels continued along with almost daily isolated rainfall events or thunderstorms of varying severity. Rainfall accumulations ranged from trace amounts to over 55 mm, with large accumulations occurring as a part of sudden thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts were generally higher in central and southern districts. Across the Eastern Region, fields show increasing evidence of standing water and areas where crop is drowned out. Some more crop lodging, particularly in cereals, also occurred. Soil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as adequate to surplus. There is increasing concern about excess moisture and producers are looking for sunny, dry weather in the coming weeks.

Spring cereal crops are in the late milk to soft and hard dough growth stages. Some early seeded fields are in late hard dough. Winter wheat is at hard dough to ripe. Canola is podding and filling. Soybeans range from late R2 to R3. Sunflowers range from R4 to R5 stages with corn at tasseling to silking.

To date, insect concerns remain limited. Reports of Phytophthora root rot in soybeans increased significantly over the last week. Preharvest glyphosate applications began on winter cereals over the weekend and some fungicide applications on sunflowers to prevent sclerotinia head rot also occurred.

Across the region, the majority of hay and pasture lands are in good condition. Haying resumed as producers were stopped due to rainfall. For first cut hay, it is estimated that 25 per cent is standing, 15 per cent is cut and 60 per cent is baled or put up as silage. Quality is rated as good. Pastures are doing well. Dugouts are full of water and availability of livestock water is adequate.

Interlake Region

Isolated thunderstorms went through the Interlake Region last week resulting in excess moisture, lodged crops and reducing quality of cut hay. Rainfall amounts ranged from 20 to 30 mm, to some areas receiving 40 to 50 mm. Moisture issues are a concern as producers are starting to get ready to swath and combine their forage seed grasses and winter wheat crops.

South Interlake producers started preharvest applications of glyphosate in winter wheat fields. Armyworm damage in winter cereals is reported as producers are noticing the lack of flag leaves and clipped seed heads. Spring cereals continue to mature and are looking good considering the recent weather events. In areas, spring cereal crops lodged but hopefully with improved weather conditions the crops will recover to a certain degree. Canola staging varies throughout the region, with some fields at 60 to 70 per cent bloom and other fields 100 per cent podded. Soybean fields continue to flower (R1) and pod (R3). Field peas are in the pod filling stage. Corn throughout the region has started to tassel.

Rain throughout the Interlake Region was welcomed in areas but not in others, hampering haying efforts. Hay yields are quite variable. Some alfalfa weevil damage is evident in second growth alfalfa; alfalfa seed growers are spraying insecticide for control. Cutting of annual greenfeed crops is just starting. Silage corn looks good. Pastures are holding out well.

The post Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: Issue 13 appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Disease pressure and insect activity continues to be monitored as the growing season progresses.

• Click here for the Crop Weather Report for the week ending July 19

Southwest Region

Rainfall was more frequent and widespread, improving crop conditions by bringing much needed moisture to many areas in the Southwest Region.

There are some reports of hail damage in Miniota and surrounding area. Winter wheat is in the soft dough stage with generally low levels of fusarium head blight symptoms noted. Fall rye is in the dough stage with some plant dry down beginning to occur.

Fungicide applications in spring cereals are virtually complete as most crops are fully headed and into grain fill stages of development. Canola crops have generally responded well to last week’s rainfall and warm temperatures. Spraying of reseeded canola fields for sclerotinia was widespread over the past week.

Field peas are in the pod filling stage of development with some early seeded fields beginning to dry down. Most acres are filling very well. Flax is in full flower and fungicide applications are complete.

Soybeans have seen excellent growth and are in the R2 (flowering) to very early R3 (pod initiation) stages of development. Some fungicide applications have occurred in soybeans due to the moist, warm conditions and heavy crop canopies and concerns over white mould development. Most sunflowers are at bud stage, with 5 to 10 per cent of fields just starting to flower.

Cereals are recovering from lodging in some areas; however, many acres remain lodged. Wild oats are emerging above the crop in patches in cereal fields. Cereal armyworm activity continues to be monitored in some fields but natural predators are present. Low bertha armyworm counts indicate a low risk.

Significant rainfall over the region improved moisture conditions for hay fields and pastures. First cut of hay is mostly complete with average to below average yields and good quality. Dugouts are approximately 80 per cent full.

Northwest Region

Unsettled weather over the past week caused localized thunderstorms throughout the entire Northwest Region. Although variable, this resulted in rainfall amounts of 50 to 76 mm in localized parts of the Swan Valley, up to 102 mm in the Roblin area, and 50 to 102 mm in parts of the Ste.Rose and McCreary areas. Hail was reported from the Ste Rose and McCreary areas, but caused minimal damage. Soil moisture conditions throughout most of the Northwest Region improved significantly over the past two weeks.

Approximately 85 per cent of the winter wheat crop is in the dough stage. For spring wheat, about 50 per cent of the crop is at the milk stage with the remaining 50 per cent split evenly between the dough stage and flowering. Canola stands improved significantly over the week as the crop continued to develop rapidly. Approximately 85 per cent of the canola crop is in full bloom with about 15 per cent podded. Cereals in the Northwest Region are reported to be in good to fair condition while canola ranges from very good to poor, mostly because of dry conditions earlier in the season.

Approximately 80 per cent of the corn crop is in the V6 to V13 stage of growth, while for soybeans 95 per cent of the crop is blooming with about 5 per cent of that podded. The flax crop is in full flower with some boll development occurring.

Weed control looks adequate for the most part but wild oat escapes have appeared in some wheat fields. Most fungicide applications have been completed on those fields requiring treatment. Insect activity throughout the region is minimal, although producers are continuing to scout canola crops for lygus bug and diamondback larva activity. There are low numbers of bertha armyworm reported in moth traps.

The much needed rain halted haying operations in many areas in the North Parkland and Valleys North. Pastures were depleting rapidly and second cut hay crop growth was very minimal due to limited moisture prior to the recent rains. Annual forage harvest has begun for silage production in some areas. Water supplies on pastures are adequate.

Central Region

Warm and humid weather conditions continued for much of the week, allowing for rapid crop growth in the Central Region. Unsettled conditions over the week resulted in scattered heavy thundershowers, tornado warnings, heavy winds and some reports of hail (Fannystelle and Culross).

Rainfall amounts ranged significantly, and in places was very welcome; amounts ranged from zero, to as much as 65 mm. Alonsa area reported 125 to 150 mm. Most areas have adequate moisture for excellent growing conditions. However, there is variability across the region as some areas are looking for more rain, while others have standing water in low lying areas and ditches are running. In areas of highest accumulation, yellowing and stress conditions are becoming more evident.

Cereal crops throughout the region look good, although many are lodged. Some fields have recovered from lodging. Most fungicide applications are complete. Fall rye, winter wheat and barley are turning as they approach maturity.

There is a wide range in canola development as the last seeded fields are now flowering; fungicide applications for sclerotinia should be complete this week. Many of the most advanced fields are finishing flowering and pods are filling.

Sunflowers are growing well and are in R3 to R5 stage. Monitoring continues for insects, and staging is being done for fungicide application.

Sunflower beetle numbers are low. Corn is growing rapidly as tasseling has started. Soybeans are flowering and nodulating well. Some fungicide applications are being made. Where iron chlorosis has persisted, some necrotic leaf tissue and stunting of plants is evident. Edible beans are flowering and fungicide applications continue. Conditions are conducive for white mould, although none is reported to date. Bacterial blight is reported in cranberry and kidney types. With recent heavy rains some fields are showing stress symptoms of yellowing. Overall, most fields look good.

Pea fields are flowering with the majority podded. Irrigation continues in potato and vegetable crops in the Portage area.

Diamondback moth and bertha armyworm trap counts are average to low. There are higher numbers in western parts of the region. Lygus bugs were found, but numbers are low. Grasshopper nymphs are present at field edges and on roadsides at average populations to date. Some hot spots from last season have seen control measures taken. True armyworms continue to be found in cereal fields, particularly in lodged areas. Most fields do not have sufficient numbers to warrant control, although some isolated treatment may occur. Most armyworm larvae are at an advanced stage, when treatment is no longer warranted. Some reports of high orange wheat blossom midge populations in the western part of the region, but wheat fields have advanced past the susceptible stage to this insect. Corn borer populations are reported to be approaching threshold levels in the Portage area.

Haying is underway and conditions look favourable for a near normal hay crop for many. Alfalfa second cut is starting. Alfalfa-grass first cut is wrapping up as weather conditions allow. Baling progress has been slow for some producers due to high humidity and rains. Alfalfa weevil damage is visible in some of the alfalfa/grass fields. Pastures are looking good with abundant rain and warmer temperatures.

Eastern Region

In the Eastern Region, warm temperatures and high humidity levels continued along with almost daily isolated rainfall events or thunderstorms of varying severity. Rainfall accumulations ranged from 10 to over 75 mm with large accumulations occurring as a part of sudden thunderstorms.

Rainfall amounts were generally higher in central and southern districts, and fields in these areas show more evidence of standing water and areas where crop is drowned out. Some storms brought strong winds which caused crop lodging, particularly in cereals. Soil moisture conditions on crop land are rated as adequate to surplus with most of the surplus situations in central and especially southern districts.

Spring cereal crops are in the milk growth stage. Winter wheat is in soft to hard dough. Canola is podding. Soybeans range from late R1 to R3. Sunflowers range from R1 to R4 with corn ranging from V12 to VT.

Herbicide and fungicide applications are now complete. So far, insect concerns are limited. Some reports of insecticide applications to control armyworms in cereals crops are noted. Reports of root rots in soybeans (Rhizoctionia or Phytophthora) increased. Well below threshold levels of soybean aphids are noted in a few fields.

Across the region, the majority of hay and pasture lands are in good condition. For first cut hay, it is estimated that 40 per cent is standing, 30 per cent is cut and 30 per cent is baled or put up as silage. Quality is rated as good. Availability of livestock water is adequate.

Interlake Region

Areas of the Interlake Region were once again impacted by thunderstorms in which rainfall exceeded amounts over 60 to 80 mm. Isolated regions saw rainfall amounts up to 100 mm in the Arborg and Hodgson area. Symptoms of excess moisture, including crop yellowing, can be seen in many fields in the Arborg and Riverton areas. However, in other areas of the region including Fisher Branch and Ashern, the rainfall was welcomed.

Winter wheat fields started to turn color as they approach maturity. Spring cereal staging ranges from the soft dough or milk stage to the flowering stage in later seeded crops. Canola staging vary from podded to 20 to 30 per cent flowering. Fungicide applications are nearly complete.

Soybean fields continue to flower; corn has begun to tassel in the South Interlake. Forage grass seed fields continue to mature and will be swathed towards the end of the month; early maturing forage grass seed crops are starting to be harvested.

Rainfall in the northwest areas of the Interlake Region was for the most part welcomed as pasture and hay field growth was slowing due to dry conditions. However, the precipitation hampered haying operations. Grasshoppers in pastures are prevalent and are in second or third instar. Alfalfa weevils are causing significant damage to alfalfa hay crops that are not cut or sprayed.

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