Dry weather across most of Saskatchewan allowed farmers to make strong harvest progress this past week, with almost one-quarter of the crop in the bin.
Thursday’s crop report pegged the overall harvest in the province at 23% complete as of Monday. That’s up from 11% the previous week but still trails the five- and 10-year averages of 40% and 34%.
Regionally, the southwest continues to lead the province, with 39% of this year’s crop harvested as of Monday. The southeast follows at 33%, while the east-central region sits at 16%. Progress is slower further north, with the northeast at 13% and the northwest at 12%. The west-central region lags furthest behind, with only 10% of crops combined so far.
The harvest of winter cereals is nearly complete. Meanwhile, the pulse crop harvest also made significant strides over the past week, with 73% of field peas and 60% of lentils harvested. Soybeans are at 11% complete, while chickpeas and canaryseed are at 13% and 5%, respectively.
Among spring cereals, 34% of the barley, 30% of the durum, 17% of the oats and 14% of spring wheat are off the field.
The mustard harvest is 10% complete and canola sits at 4%.
Rainfall was light across the province, with the Piapot area recording the highest total at 25 millimetres, followed by Dollard with 20 mm and Cadillac and Shaunavon at 18 mm each. Producers welcomed the limited rainfall that allowed steady fieldwork but noted a decline in topsoil moisture as a result.
Cropland topsoil moisture was rated 2% surplus, 67% adequate, 29% short and 2% very short as of Monday, versus 3% surplus, 77% adequate, 18% short, and 2% very short the previous week. Farmers say rain after harvest would be beneficial to replenish moisture reserves and reduce the risk of wildfires, the report said.
Damage to crops over the past week was mainly caused by wind and dry conditions, along with regrowth and lodging that complicated combining. Grasshoppers and bertha armyworms also continue to cause localized damage in some areas.
The full report can be found here:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/market-and-trade-statistics/crops-statistics/crop-report
