The last Manitoba crop report of the year has been released.
It says harvest is 94 percent complete province-wide, but the northwest region is at only 87 percent, and the southwest region is at 92 percent done.
Northwest
The 2026 season presented many challenges, beginning with a slow start to spring. Cool temperatures and lingering snow delayed field operations across much of the area, while cold soils and saturated conditions pushed seeding into mid-to late May. Areas in the southern part of the region, including Dauphin, Ste. Rose, and Russell, were able to access fields earlier. When conditions improved, soybean seeding was prioritized to meet approaching deadlines, followed by spring wheat and canola despite ongoing challenges with wet soils. A major rainfall event on June 7 and 8 brought 147 mm and 119 mm of rain to the Minitonas and San Clara stations, respectively. The intense rainfall caused widespread damage to homes, farms, fields, and infrastructure. Overwhelmed drainage systems resulted in flooding, severe erosion, and field damage, while road and bridge washouts created significant logistical challenges for producers. Repairs began as soon as conditions allowed, alongside efforts to resume seeding. Seeding progress continued across the remainder of the Northwest Region but was slow in the Swan Valley, Roblin, and The Pas areas, with some acres left unseeded. Areas not affected by the early June rainfall generally looked good. Another major rainfall event on June 30 affected most of the Northwest Region. The Ashville and Ethelbert stations each recorded 147 mm of precipitation, with many other locations receiving significant amounts. The system caused additional flooding and damage across the region, particularly in the Swan Valley and San Clara areas, where previous repairs were washed away. Several major highways were also damaged, limiting travel and hauling activities. Above-normal rainfall throughout June set the tone for the season. Producers faced numerous challenges, including unseeded acres, waterlogged fields, drowned-out areas, delayed or missed herbicide applications, and resulting weed pressure. July brought warmer and somewhat drier conditions that allowed fields to dry out and supported crop growth in some areas, although crops remained variable across the region. Flea beetle and pea leaf weevil pressure was generally lower than usual. Most of the region received above-normal precipitation throughout the growing season. While cumulative year-todate precipitation remained above normal across the region, some locations experienced periods where precipitation approached more than 300% of normal. Growing Degree Day accumulations were generally normal to slightly above normal. Harvest started well but later than usual. Heavy September rains, later-seeded crops, persistent morning dews, and narrow harvest windows, contributed to a prolonged harvest season. More favourable weather during recent weeks supported steady progress, and most of the region is nearing completion, although some acres remain unharvested. Post-harvest operations, including dry fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia applications, are ongoing. Drowned-out areas have required additional attention for delayed harvest and weed management. Fall rye and winter wheat overwintered well and produced good yields. Harvest generally progressed without major issues, and seeding of the 2027 crop went smoothly, with adequate soil moisture supporting good germination and growth. Field pea yields were generally below average to average, although some fields produced above average yields. Reported yields ranged from 30 to 35 bu/acre, with some fields averaging up to 50 bu/acre. Spring wheat harvest is approximately 98% complete. Yields have varied considerably depending on season-long conditions, ranging from 50 to 90 bu/acre, while later-harvested fields reported below average yields of 25 to 35 bu/acre. Approximately 90% of the crop is grading No. 1 CW, with the remaining 10% graded as CW Feed due to falling numbers. Excess moisture delayed barley and oat seeding, and while some acres were harvested, many were ultimately used as livestock feed. Canola faced numerous challenges throughout the season. Late seeding, delayed germination, prolonged soil saturation, and missed herbicide applications contributed to uneven and weedy crops. Although higher bertha armyworm moth counts were observed in some areas, no control measures were required. Verticillium stripe was commonly reported and contributed to lodging and slower harvest progress. Harvest is approximately 95% complete, with yields generally ranging from below average to average. Reported yields averaged 25 to 35 bu/acre, with some fields yielding as little as 10 bu/acre. Soybeans generally performed well throughout the season, benefiting from timely rainfall during seed development. Harvest is approximately 95% complete, with average to above-average yields reported. Current yields range from 35 to 45 bu/acre, although some later-seeded fields have produced lower yields.
Southwest
A cool, wet spring followed by a wet fall made this a challenging year for producers. Overall, the growing season was favourable, with crops benefiting from adequate moisture and heat. However, harvest was prolonged due to wet conditions, which affected grain quality in some areas of the Southwest. Producers have been applying fertilizer over the past week in preparation for next year. Winter wheat and fall rye had a strong year, with minimal winterkill and average to above-average yields. Peas performed well, with average to above-average yields ranging from 60 to 70 bu/acre. Spring wheat harvest is approximately 99% complete. Yields have remained strong, but quality has declined, with the remaining crop grading as feed. Reported yields ranged from 70 to 90 bu/acre, which is above average for the Southwest. Barley harvest is approximately 100% complete, with average to above-average yields reported between 80 and 100 bu/acre. Recently harvested crops have been downgraded due to sprouting, discolouration, and low test weight. Most of the crop is being graded as feed. Oat harvest is approximately 100% complete, with average yields reported between 80 and 120 bu/acre. Canola harvest is approximately 99% complete. Reports indicate average to above-average yields ranging from 40 to 70 bu/acre, along with good quality. The biggest challenges were difficult harvesting conditions caused by disease, lodging, and wet fields. Insect pressure was less severe this growing season, although some spraying occurred for flea beetles and cabbage seedpod weevil. Disease pressure, particularly later in the season, also affected harvest operations. Verticillium stripe and sclerotinia were the primary diseases affecting canola, although their impact appeared to be greater on ease of harvestability than on yield. Soybean harvest is approximately 90% complete, with average to above-average yields reported. Yields ranged from 35 to 60 bu/acre. Corn silage harvest is progressing, as weather conditions permit. Silage harvest is approximately 85% complete, and producers are moving quickly to complete operations.
(Manitoba Agriculture news release)
