MarketsFarm – Crop development was highly variable across Manitoba during the week ended Aug. 2 depending on localized rainfall and drainage, with fields in the southern growing areas of the province generally better than those to the north, according to the latest report from Manitoba Agriculture.
Localized insect concerns were reported, with some spraying required. Supply-chain issues have reportedly stretched insecticide supplies.
Spring wheat has mostly finished flowering and kernel development was underway, with most of the crop rated good-to-excellent. Barley ranged from flowering to head filing, while oats were mostly finished flowering.
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Corn crops were the most advanced in the Red River Valley, at the R1 to R2 stages. Corn was described as quite tall in many areas, which may require burning to manage post-harvest residue.
Canola ranged from excellent to fair, with some fields still blooming and others fully podded. An estimated 75 per cent of the crop was good-to-excellent with the remainder in fair condition.
Soybeans were growing rapidly, although there were reports of soybean aphids in some regions. Excess moisture was reportedly causing root rot in some pea fields.
The first hay cut was wrapping up in most areas, with yields well above last year’s drought-stricken crop. The second cut regrowth was doing well with some haying starting up.
