Swathing Nearing Completion

In Manitoba, approximately 80 to 90% of the canola is swathed with the exception areas around The Pas (about 50% swathed), Roblin/Russell areas (50 to 75% swathed), and the northern interlake region which is about 20 to 50% swathed. Overall approximately 15 to 20% of the canola has been combined and combining will likely become general by the end of the week. Preliminary yield reports are average to above average with good quality.

In Saskatchewan, approximately 80 to 90% of the canola is swathed with only the very latest fields (re-seeded or late emergence with July rains) still standing. Combining of canola will continue this week with the south already about 20 to 40% combined and about 10% of the crop in northern areas combined. Yields so far are reported as average to above average with good quality.

In Alberta, swathing generally ranges from 60 to 90% complete with some isolated areas only 25% complete (Clyde area). Swathing is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Only a few of the very earliest fields have been combined in most regions with a little further progress made on dryland canola in southern areas. Very little canola on irrigated land has been combined to date. The Peace region of Alberta is about 90% swathed and swathing is nearing completion in the BC Peace with very little combining occurring yet.

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is available at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crprpt090909
The latest crop report from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is available at:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd4191#2009
The following maps show growing degree days accumulating across western Canada this growing season:http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prtgdd_e.htm