Southwest
Planting is basically complete in the region, with the exception of a few areas near the U.S. border, which received excessive precipitation in May.
Flea beetles have reached economic thresholds on emerging canola crops, particularly fields damaged by a frost in early June.
First cut of alfalfa is now underway. Yield estimates are slightly below average. Pastures are in decent condition.
Central
Many winter wheat fields have been reseeded, particularly in the western half of the region. Winter wheat failed to germinate because of dry conditions last fall.
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The remaining winter cereal acres are improving thanks to warmer temperatures.
Growers are reporting tan spot in spring wheat crops. The severity of leaf spot disease is more acute in fields that had wheat residue in recent years.
Northwest
Soil moisture in the region is adequate. Flea beetle activity has been fairly intense in a few regions, such as areas around Roblin. Diamondback moth and bertha armyworm counts are very low.
Aster leafhopper numbers are minimal.
Dairy producers are expected to begin haying operations shortly.
Eastern
Cool soil temperatures delayed soybean emergence in May and early June. Plant stands in a number of fields have been reduced. Growers will have a better picture of crop stands later this month when they enter fields to estimate plant counts.
Sunflower acres are up slightly in the region. Growers have reported cutworm damage but no disease concerns so far.
Interlake
Soybean acres have doubled in the Arborg-Fisher Branch region. It’s estimated that soybeans have topped 40,000 acres, compared to 15,000 to 20,000 acres in 2012.
Canola acres are down. Excessive precipitation hammered the crop in recent years in the northern Interlake. Soil moisture was adequate to below average in the middle of June. A rainfall and heat is needed to stimulate plant growth.
