The Saskatchewan harvest has nearly wrapped up for the year.
The weekly crop report on Thursday pegged the overall harvest in the province at 93% complete as of Monday, up 11 points from the previous week although still 5 points behind last year as rain and snow still interrupted fieldwork in many areas.
The southwest region leads the province at 98% complete, followed by the west-central region at 97%. The east-central and northwest regions are both 91% finished, while the northeast and southeast regions trail at 89%.
Harvest of several crops is virtually complete, including fall rye, winter wheat and triticale at 100%. Lentils and field peas are both 99% harvested, followed by chickpeas and mustard at 98%.
Among the major cereals, barley and durum are both 97% complete, spring wheat is at 96% and oats at 91%. Canola harvesting has reached 89%, while canary seed is at 88%, flax at 73%, and soybeans at just 53%.
Estimated provincial crop yields remain largely unchanged from the previous estimates, with average yields at or above historical norms for most crops. However, regional variability persists due to uneven rainfall and growing season challenges, the report said.
Weekend precipitation was widespread, with the highest amounts reported near Coalfields at 28 mm, followed by Mount Pleasant and Enniskillen at 24 mm and Indian Head at 22 mm.
While the moisture delayed fieldwork, it benefited harvested fields by improving soil moisture reserves ahead of spring seeding.
Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture was rated 5% surplus, 88% adequate, 6% short, and 1% very short as of Monday.
Crop damage from wind, frost, waterfowl, flooding and wildlife has been relatively minor.
With harvest nearing completion, the report said producers are shifting their attention to fall weed control, fertilizer application, harrowing and equipment maintenance. Livestock producers are also moving cattle off pasture, hauling bales and preparing for winter.
The full Saskatchewan crop report is available here:
https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/128638/formats/157642/download
