Saskatchewan farmers made substantial harvest progress this past week, as warm, dry weather provided excellent combining conditions across the province.
Thursday’s weekly crop report showed 63% of the Saskatchewan crop was harvested as of Monday, up sharply from 41% a week earlier and the best week of progress so far this year. However, due to earlier wet-weather related delays, progress remains well behind last year, when 84% of the crop was off, as well as the five- and 10-year averages of 91% and 82%, respectively.
Rainfall was limited during the week, with the highest totals reported near Mount Pleasant at 15 mm and Martin at 12 mm. Drier conditions contributed to a slight decline in topsoil moisture reserves. Cropland topsoil moisture was rated 13% surplus, 81% adequate and 6% short.
Regional progress was relatively consistent, although the southwest remained furthest ahead at 84% complete. West-central Saskatchewan was at 69%, followed by the southeast at 57%, northwest at 53%, east-central at 52% and northeast at 49%.
Among spring cereals, barley and durum were both at 79% harvested as of Monday. Spring wheat reached 65%, oats 56% and canary seed 50%.
Pulse harvest also advanced quickly. Field peas were 97% complete, lentils 96%, and chickpeas 65%.
Oilseed harvest remained less advanced. Mustard was 84% complete, while canola reached 45%. Flax harvest was 24% complete, and soybeans were at 17%.
High winds were the main source of crop damage during the week, with some producers reporting winds strong enough to blow swaths away. Minor damage was also attributed to localized flooding, frost, waterfowl, and wildlife.
The full Saskatchewan crop report is available here:
https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/128638/formats/157433/download
