It was a relatively warm week in Saskatchewan, with higher daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Harvest progress is at 11 per cent, significantly behind the five- and 10-year averages of 25 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively. There were reports of rain and strong winds in some regions, while high humidity stalled operations in others. Overall, crops are beginning to turn and harvest of later-seeded crops is expected to begin very soon.
Many parts of the province were dry last week, which advanced crop maturity and harvest efforts.
The strong winds observed in parts of the province brought significant rain to some regions, including the Round Hill area, which had the most rainfall at 81 millimetres (mm), followed by the Emerald and Meeting Lake areas with 76 mm and 68 mm, respectively.
Despite the prevailing warm conditions reported across Saskatchewan, provincial topsoil moisture levels were relatively stable last week.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
• 4 per cent surplus;
• 49 per cent adequate;
• 37 per cent short; and
• 10 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
• 2 per cent surplus;
• 48 per cent adequate;
• 38 per cent short; and
• 12 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
• 2 per cent surplus;
• 40 per cent adequate;
• 39 per cent short; and
• 19 per cent very short.
Harvest continued this week as producers focused on combining winter cereals, pulse crops and other early-seeded crops. Rainfall delayed on-farm operations in some regions, but crop maturity advanced across the province.
Winter cereals harvested:
• Winter wheat: 60 per cent; and
• Fall rye: 69 per cent.
Oilseeds harvested:
• Mustard: 2 per cent;
• Soybeans: 7 per cent; and
• Canola: 1 per cent.
Spring cereals harvested:
• Triticale: 56 per cent;
• Barley: 16 per cent;
• Durum: 5 per cent;
• Spring wheat: 1 per cent;
• Oats: 7 per cent; and
• Canary seed: 2 per cent.
Pulses harvested:
• Lentils: 48 per cent;
• Field peas: 44 per cent; and
• Chickpeas: 1 per cent.
Harvested winter crop quality varies throughout the province due to variable rainfall and growing conditions during the season. A complete breakdown of regional crop grades is available in the full Crop Report.
Pasture conditions have improved across many areas of the province in recent weeks, thanks to sufficient rainfall. Provincially, 3 per cent of pastures are rated excellent, 39 per cent good, 42 per cent fair, 14 per cent poor and 2 per cent very poor.
Dry conditions were reported as the primary cause of crop damage this week, although overall damage was limited. Minor crop damage was also attributed to strong winds, sclerotinia stem rot and bertha armyworms in canola in some areas. Localized crop damage from aphids and gophers was also reported.
With harvest operations underway across Saskatchewan, increased farm equipment traffic is expected on public roadways. Drivers are reminded to use caution when approaching and passing large equipment. Producers are also encouraged to take necessary fire prevention measures when operating in dry field conditions to ensure harvest activities are conducted safely.
The Farm Stress Line is available to provide confidential support to producers, toll-free at 1‑800‑667‑4442. The public is also reminded to use caution when encountering farm machinery and equipment travelling on roadways.
Northeastern Saskatchewan
Harvest is beginning in the northeast region, with early seeded crops now being combined. Harvest progress is currently at 1 per cent. Producers are desiccating and swathing crops as they mature while preparing equipment for the harvest season.
Last week, the northeast experienced variable rainfall. The Touch River area recorded the most rain at 44 millimetres (mm), followed by the Connaught area at 38 mm and Kinistino at 29 mm.
Last week, areas of the northeast experienced thunderstorms with strong winds and rain. These conditions resulted in minor damage to certain crops. Furthermore, bertha armyworms and aphids are a concern in parts of the northeast, as producers continue to apply insecticides to canola crops.
Northwestern Saskatchewan
Harvest is gradually getting underway in the northwest region, although many crops are not yet ready. Currently, 1 per cent of crops have been harvested, with most of the progress in fall-seeded cereals and pulse crops. Producers continue to swath and desiccate crops as they mature while preparing equipment for the remainder of the harvest season.
The northwest region received scattered rainfall last week. The Round Hill area recorded the highest amount of precipitation at 81 millimetres (mm), followed by the Meeting Lake area with 68 mm and the Parkdale area with 41 mm. Scattered showers reported in many areas helped maintain moisture levels, with minimal change across the region compared to last week.
Most crop damage reported in the northwest region was caused by strong winds with the accompanying excess moisture. Bertha armyworms and localized grasshopper activity also caused varying levels of damage in some fields; however, impacts were not widespread across the region.
