Manitoba crop report: Seeding continues despite large rainfall

Glacier FarmMedia—Despite heavy rains as well as snowfall, Manitoba farmers were still able to make planting progress during the week ended May 25, according to the province’s weekly crop report.

Provincial seeding progress advanced to 64 per cent as of May 28, 17 points more than the previous week. The figure was also two points ahead of the same week last year, but 13 points behind the five-year average.

Pea planting was nearly complete at 96 per cent, while spring wheat planting was 87 per cent complete. Corn and barley planting were 80 and 79 per cent complete, respectively, while oats were at 76 per cent completion. Slightly more than half of soybean acres were seeded at 55 per cent, while canola and sunflowers were both at 41 per cent. Dry beans were nearly one-quarter seeded at 24 per cent.

Winter cereal fertilizer applications were completed with 85 to 95 per cent field survival. Cereals in the Central region were the most advanced as early-planted crops were in the five-leaf stage.

A weather system on May 24 and 25 brought large amounts of precipitation to all growing regions in Manitoba, exceeding 100 per cent normal precipitation since May 1. Winkler received the most moisture at 86.7 millimetres during the week, while The Pas was the driest at 6.0 mm.

In terms of percentage, Eden in southwest Manitoba has been the wettest place in Manitoba this season, getting 142 mm at 303 per cent normal precipitation. The two driest places were Ruthenia in the northwest at 47 mm for 113 per cent and Oakburn in the southwest at 46 mm for 114 per cent.

The rains helped hay fields and pasture growth maintain their good shape with standing water in some areas. Tame hay growth was up to 16 inches, while alfalfa stands were up to 12 inches tall and dense.

Many cattle operations had their animals fully on pasture, but some cattle were moved to certain pastures in order to avoid mud. Calving and supplementary feeding were ongoing, with vaccinations underway. Dugouts were full and water levels adequate.