Dry conditions leading to rapid crop development in Sask. as harvest begins

Warm and dry conditions mean crops are developing rapidly in Saskatchewan, and some producers have already started to harvest their early seeded crops.

According to the latest crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending on Monday, crops in areas that have received sufficient rainfall are at their normal stage of development for this time of year, but in drier areas crops are ahead of their normal stages.

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“Early seeded crops are nearing maturity in many areas, and rain would likely not benefit these crops at this stage,” the ministry explained in its weekly update.

“Producers are still hoping for rain to help with grain fill in later-seeded crops.”

The area around Old Wives, in south-central Saskatchewan, received the most rain during the week ending Monday, with 132 millimetres. The Vanguard area was close behind with 119 millimetres, but other parts of the province received “negligible precipitation” during the week covered by the report, causing overall topsoil moisture levels to drop.

In cropland, topsoil moisture was rated as five per cent surplus, 54 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and eight per cent very short. In hayland, topsoil moisture was sitting at four per cent surplus, 48 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 11 per cent very short. In pastures, topsoil moisture was rated as four per cent surplus, 52 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.

Six per cent of pastures were in excellent condition, the report added, while 36 per cent were in good condition, 32 per cent were rated as fair. Nineteen per cent of pastures were rated as poor, while eight per cent were rated very poor.

Hot and dry conditions continued to be the primary source of crop damage in the week ending on Monday, the ministry said, while other farmers reported issues with grasshoppers, wind and wildlife.

Harvest begins in Saskatchewan

“The dry conditions for much of the season in certain areas have led to some producers starting to harvest early seeded crops,” the ministry noted.

“Provincially, harvest is one per cent complete with most of this progress occurring in the southwest.”

Winter wheat is furthest ahead, with 13 per cent of this year’s crop already harvested, along with seven per cent of the fall rye crop. Harvest for pulse crops has also started, with one per cent of the province’s lentil and pea crops combined.

“Although most producers in the province have not started harvesting, it is their primary focus as they are currently servicing equipment, hauling grain and cleaning bins to prepare,” the report added.

“Drivers are reminded to exercise patience and caution when encountering large equipment on the road. Additionally, farm equipment operating in dry fields can present a fire risk. Producers are encouraged to take safety precautions to mitigate fire risk and ensure harvest efforts are conducted safely.”

A full version of the crop report can be found on the provincial government’s website.