In the Southwest Region, warmer temperatures are speeding crop maturity. A large storm system that moved from Pierson to Hamiota on July 27, resulted in varying amounts of precipitation; rainfall amounts ranged from 25 to 125 mm across the region.

The storm system resulted in a tornado that tracked from south of Tilston to north of Virden. Crops such as corn, sunflower and oats were severely lodged in the path of the tornado, whereas areas further from the path location also sustained heavy crop lodging. Some hail damage in Souris, Wawanesa and Minto areas was reported as well.

Most winter cereals are close to physiological maturity. Low fusarium head blight levels in winter wheat and low ergot levels in fall rye continue to be reported. Initial winter wheat harvest has begun in the Brandon and eastern areas of the region, with average yields reported.

Lionel Kaskiw is a Farm Production Adviser with Manitoba Agriculture. He says despite some challenging werather in some areas most crops are coming along pretty good.

Canola crops responded favourably to the cooler temperatures and recent rainfall. The earliest canola fields are at the pod filling stage of development, while most reseeded fields are finishing flowering. Some early seeded barley, wheat and oats are also nearing maturity, whereas late seeded cereals are still in hard dough stage.

Hay and pasture conditions across the Southwest Region continue to be variable. First cut hay is complete and native hay is being harvested. Generally, yields are 50 to 75% of average. Second cut growth is advancing well where first cut was taken early and there is adequate moisture. Harvest of greenfeed cereals are beginning. Dugout levels remain steady at 80% full.