Warm, dry conditions across Saskatchewan allowed farmers to make strong harvest gains over the past week.
Thursday’s provincial crop report estimated the overall harvest at 84% complete as of Monday, a jump of 16 points from a week earlier. While progress remains behind the five-year average of 92%, it is slightly ahead of the 10-year average of 81%. Last year at this time, the harvest was 91% done.
Harvest progress is relatively consistent across all regions. The southwest leads at 87% complete, followed closely by the west-central and northwest at 86% each. The southeast stands at 84%, while the northeast is at 83% and the east-central region trails slightly at 80%.
By crop, harvest is complete for winter wheat and fall rye, while peas (99%) and lentils (98%) are nearly finished. Among cereals, spring wheat was 92% harvested as of Monday, durum 91%, barley 94% and oats 87%. Canary seed sits at 61%. The oilseed harvest saw big strides this past week, with canola now 71% done, flax 45% and mustard 79%. Chickpeas are 56% harvested, and soybeans 42%.
Rainfall was minimal, with the Meadow Lake area receiving 13 millimetres and Loon Lake 11 mm. Most other regions saw little or no precipitation. As a result, soil moisture continues to decline. Cropland topsoil moisture was rated 1% surplus, 49% adequate, 38% short and 12% very short as of Monday, compared to 59% adequate, 32% short, and 7% very short a week earlier.
Concerns are also mounting around livestock water supplies. Three percent of producers reported severe or widespread shortages, while 31% cited moderate shortages and 16% anticipate issues ahead. Nearly a quarter of respondents said they are worried about water quality, with most concerns tied to dry conditions, low dugout levels and declining quality.
Crop damage this past week was mainly due to strong winds, with reports of swaths being blown away. Wildlife and waterfowl also contributed to losses. With more machinery fires being reported, producers are urged to keep fire mitigation tools on hand, regularly clean equipment, and use caution near powerlines, the report said.
The full report can be seen here:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/market-and-trade-statistics/crops-statistics/crop-report
