Drought concerns persist, according to this week’s Manitoba crop report.

But Manitoba Agriculture’s Dane Froese says there’s been a break from the intense heat we’ve been experiencing lately, thanks to wildfire smoke.

Froese notes there’s been a downgraded yield outlook for spring cereals, canola, and corn this week.

However, soybeans appear to be a brighter spot, with most crops assessed as fair to good throughout the province.

And first cut hay has largely finished, but there will be no second cut in most areas, unless significant August rains arrive.