Manitoba
In the south and up through parkland, some producers are reseeding canola for a combination of reasons including cutworms, flea beetles, frost, and wind damage. Some regions (parkland and southeastern areas) experienced poor emergence due to seeds stranded in dry soil, but the recent rainfall should improve the situation.
Further, dryness in the Interlake has negatively impacted winter cereal crops, with winter rye crops being written off. Thankfully, game-changing rains fell throughout Manitoba over the past weekend, significantly improving conditions in many regions. In general, crop conditions improved week-over-week due to the timely rainfall. Germination and growth should improve as a result.
Saskatchewan
In the southeast region of the province, seeding conditions have been excellent and crops are emerging well. Subsoil moisture is still decent, but the topsoil is dry. Small showers did help crop emergence, but more will be needed soon to prevent the crops from heading backwards.
In the southwest, conditions are ideal, and crops are in good-to-excellent conditions. Excessive winds have subsided, and spraying has begun.
In central regions, crop development improved with recent rainfall. Topsoil moisture has been replenished. Canola development ranges from just germinated to four leaves, while cereals are in the two to four leaf stage. Overall, germination has been strong, and crops are in good condition.
In northern regions, crop conditions are good-to-excellent. Strong winds have been the biggest problem, interfering with crop spraying. Beneficial rains fell over the weekend and recharged topsoil moisture.
Alberta
Crops in the south are in great condition with only some minor flea beetle pressure popping up in canola crops. Generally, crops are better than last year and the five-year average.
Seeding is complete in central and northeastern regions, but recent rainfall has soil moisture edging on excessive. Drowned out spots are beginning to show up in fields. Heat and a break from the rain are needed to progress the crop. Excessive moisture is also impacting the Peace River region, an estimated 10-20% of the region will go unseeded due to excessive moisture, and delays from old crop harvest.
Note, this content is extremely time-sensitive. FarmLink recommends consulting your grain marketing advisor about the topics mentioned above.