Mixed Crop Progress Across Manitoba Amid Isolated Rain and Widespread Drought Concerns

Manitoba saw scattered rainfall last week, with accumulations ranging from 0 to 41.2 mm. The heaviest precipitation was recorded in Ruthenia, located in the western part of the Southwest region. While some areas in the Southwest and Northwest received helpful rainfall, much of the province remains dry, particularly in the East, Interlake, and parts of the Central and Northwest regions. 

Based on 30-year climate normals, most of the East, Northwest, and Interlake regions have accumulated less than 50% of normal precipitation since May 1. Much of the Central and Southwest regions also fall below 70% of average seasonal moisture.  

Corn across the province ranges from the V8 to tasseling stage, while the earliest spring wheat is now in grain fill. Barley and oats are progressing from head emergence to grain fill, Spring wheat quality varies regionally, with approximately 61% rated as good. 

Canola development varies widely due to an extended seeding window. Early seeded fields are fully podded, while later fields are still at early bolting. Flax is in late flowering, with early seeded fields forming bolls. Sunflowers are progressing from R1 to R3. Field peas are flowering, and soybeans range from V5 to R3, depending on seeding date. 

In the Southwest region, cooler temperatures and weekend rain helped crop filling and pasture conditions, though overall precipitation remains below average. In the Northwest, a break in extreme heat helped crops, though some hail hit the Swan Valley area, and drought stress persists on lighter soils. 

Although most cereal crops look healthy in the Central Region, the report said crops are expected to yield poorly and is likely to mature prematurely in those areas where rainfall has been insufficient during the growing season. Canola in these areas is turning bluish, indicating moisture stress.