Manitoba's crop report shows growing progress in planting

Parts of Manitoba got off to a rainy start this May, which is having a positive impact on the province's soil moisture.

Rainfall levels varied around Agro-Manitoba from May 6 to May 12, according to the latest crop report released Tuesday. However, the southwest and central regions received total rainfall of up to 40.3 mm and 32.4 mm, respectively.

The province notes that the climatic normal for total precipitation from May 1 to 12 is between 11.7 mm and 26.33 mm.

“Most of the Southwest, as well as areas of the Northwest, Central and East, have accumulated more than 100% of normal precipitation since May 1,” the report said. “The central and northern portions of the Interlake and Eastern regions have accumulated less than 100% of the 30-year average.”

As for soil conditions, the report says the majority have wet moisture conditions at surface depth.

Seed progress

As far as sowing is concerned, the province recorded rapid progress last week, with total sowing already 30 percent complete.

It is found that maize cultivation is 60 percent complete, grain cultivation is 58 percent complete and pea cultivation is 72 percent complete. Rapeseed cultivation has just begun, six percent of the area is planted, while soybean cultivation is 15 percent complete.

Manitoba warns that weeds are quickly emerging in fields, so farmers should look for produce and use burn-off products.

The full harvest report is available online.