Oat Harvest Producing Mixed Results

There's been a lot of variability with oat yields this year.

 

Jenneth Johanson is the president of the Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA).

 

"It all depended on where certain lands got rains during June and July during the filling period," she said. "It does appear that the heat that we had in July, did affect some of the yields. Some of test weights in oats are coming in a little bit lighter than what we've seen the last couple of years. Overall the quality is good and there is still some significant acres that still have good test weights and good yields. Overall, average to slightly above crop for Manitoba."

 

She notes there were some cases of crown rust which moved in later in the season. Grasshoppers pressure was also a challenge in some areas, along with armyworms.

 

Johanson says harvest is behind this year as oats are normally wrapped up by September. She expects farmers to clean up the remaining fields with the help of some good weather.