Harvest ahead of average despite recent slowdown

Harvest in Saskatchewan is nearly three-quarters done.

According to the weekly crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, harvest is 73 per cent complete. That’s up from 64 per cent last week and ahead of the five-year average of 68 per cent for this time of year.

“Many producers experienced cool, damp weather this past week which halted or slowed their harvest operations until conditions improved,” the report said. “Other producers that were able to continue either finished their harvest or are very close to doing so.”

Farmers in the southwest area of the province were furthest ahead with harvest, with 96 per cent of the crop combined. Those in the west-central (89 per cent), southeast (65 per cent), northwest (63 per cent), northeast (58 per cent) and east-central (52 per cent) regions were making progress.

Ninety-seven per cent of lentils and field peas, 94 per cent of durum, 78 per cent of barley, 77 per cent of spring wheat, 52 per cent of canola and 35 per cent of flax has been combined. Another 36 per cent of canola is swathed or ready to straight-cut.

“Precipitation was generally welcomed after several weeks of dry weather,” the report said. “Concerns about field and equipment fires have eased and there is hope that the rain will be enough in some areas to allow pastures a little regrowth.”

Cropland topsoil moisture is considered one per cent surplus, 37 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 21 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 28 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 29 per cent very short.

Pasture conditions are rated as four per cent excellent, 23 per cent good, 31 per cent fair, 25 per cent poor and 17 per cent very poor.

Wind, waterfowl, wildlife and a lack of moisture damaged crops during the week. Frost also hit some areas, but producers reported that damage wasn’t serious because crops were so far along.