Canola Harvest Lags While Cereal Crops Near the Finish Line
Manitoba producers have harvested approximately 40 per cent of the 2026 crop, but repeated rainfall, cool temperatures and heavy morning dews continue to create challenges across much of the province.
Winter wheat and fall rye harvests are now complete province-wide, while spring wheat has reached 70 per cent completion. Barley harvest stands at 76 per cent and oat harvest is 65 per cent complete. Progress has been strongest in the Central and Eastern regions, where harvest is nearing completion for many cereal crops.
Canola Faces Weather and Disease Challenges
Canola remains the province’s slowest-moving major crop, with only 36 per cent harvested. Producers are reporting below-average to average yields, while lodging, disease pressure and weather-related delays continue to impact operations. Many growers have opted to swath canola this season due to adverse field conditions and disease concerns.
Crop quality has also become a concern in several regions. Earlier-harvested cereals generally showed good quality, but recent rains have resulted in sprouting, lower test weights and grain downgrading in some fields.
Livestock and Forage Conditions Remain Strong
Despite harvest delays, livestock producers continue to report favourable conditions. Recent moisture has improved pasture health and replenished dugouts, leaving water supplies at excellent levels across most of Manitoba.
Hay yields are generally above average, although feed quality is expected to vary due to unpredictable weather during harvest. Producers are being encouraged to test forage supplies to better manage winter feeding programs.
Outlook
While warm temperatures have allowed producers to make some progress, more rainfall at the start of the week is expected to further delay harvest activity. Farmers will be watching closely for an extended stretch of dry weather as they work to bring crops off before additional quality issues develop.
