This week's crop report had high winds and low temperatures that caused some issues for producers.
Many regions experienced their first frost during the overnight hours on Oct. 3 to 4, and the Northwest region was also hit by some of the most rain throughout Agro-Manitoba with the Pas station logging 18.5mm of rain.
Despite these harsh conditions, a lot of progress was made in harvesting.
Corn and Sunflower harvest is beginning, and flax harvest is also well underway.
Many crops also have some more firm estimates of yield.
Spring wheat yield estimates range from 40 to 95 bu/acre. Protein ranges from 10 to 15%, Oat yield estimates range from 110 to 180 bu/acre, and Barley yield estimates range from 80 to 120 bu/acre.
Preliminary yield reports of Corn harvest are in, ranging from 140 to 240 bu/acre. Notably, high winds have contributed to some stem breakage.
Canola nears completetion, with yields ranging from 25 to 65 bu/acre, but average around the 30-45bu/acre range.
Canola harvest had its own challenges, as canola swathes were blown, and standing canola was lodged by those high winds.
Flax yields are reportedly 20 to 40 bu/acre, and sunflowers are yet to be reported.
With Dry beans at 85%, yield estimates are sitting at 1700-2000 lbs/acre, and soybean's average yield is at 45 bu/acre.
Forage and pasture growth has been strong this year from the early season rains, but the frost from last week is giving cattle producers pause for grazing annual forages.
The baling of straw is nearly done, and corn silage continues, reporting varied yields across the province.
The colder weather is making pasture growth notably slower, and some producers have started supplementing cattle feed on pastures.
Overall, calves are coming off pasture in good condition, and dugouts remain adequately stocked with water.
Closer to home in the Northwest, progress marched ahead despite the cold, wet weather.
The Northwest region received frost, with overnight lows ranging from -2°C to -7°C. The majority of the region had below-zero temperatures for 10 to 13 hours.
Precipitation slowed harvest for a couple of days in some areas, and extreme winds hit the region once again over the weekend damaging canola in the Dauphin area. Swathed canola was blown and standing canola was lodged.
In our area, the spring wheat harvest nears completion at 98% complete. Lodged fields have made for slow progress in some areas, and the average reported yield is approximately 65 to 70 bu/acre. Some fields are averaging less at 40-50 bu/acre and some are going 80 bu/acre plus.
Canola harvest made good progress again this week and is approximately 85% complete across the region. Reported yields have been quite varied based on crop conditions throughout the season but are generally lower than average. Average yields so far have been approximately 30 to 40 bu/acre.
Soybean harvest is approximately 45% complete across the region and more advanced in the Swan Valley area, while Dauphin/Ste. Rose area is behind. Early yield reports range from 35 to 40 bu/acre and 50 to 55 bu/acre in some higher yielding fields.
Post harvest field operations are ongoing. Anhydrous ammonia and dry fertilizer application has begun.
This week's clear and warm weather promises some substantial progress in the fields.
Notably, the Crop Report next week will be available a day later due to the long weekend.
But for now, here's wishing producer a safe, speedy harvest, and a bountiful yield.
