Last week began with predominantly dry conditions across much of Saskatchewan, allowing producers to make harvest progress. Many regions received rainfall and localized hail later in the week, and field activities continued where conditions permitted. Harvest is now 18 per cent complete in Saskatchewan, up 7 per cent from the previous week. Progress remains significantly below the five-year average of 39 per cent and the 10-year average of 34 per cent. Producers remain optimistic that favourable weather conditions will support further harvest progress.
Significant precipitation was reported in many areas later in the week. The Prairie Rose area recorded the highest rainfall at 136 millimetres (mm), followed by the Fertile Belt area at 125 mm. The Langenburg and Sasman areas also received 113 mm and 96 mm, respectively. The widespread precipitation significantly improved topsoil moisture conditions across much of Saskatchewan.
Cropland topsoil moisture:
- 11 per cent surplus;
- 64 per cent adequate;
- 20 per cent short; and
- 5 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture:
- 7 per cent surplus;
- 63 per cent adequate;
- 23 per cent short; and
- 7 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture:
- 4 per cent surplus;
- 56 per cent adequate;
- 28 per cent short; and
- 12 per cent very short.
Harvest operations, primarily in winter cereals, pulses and other early-seeded crops, continued as weather conditions supported field activities.
Winter cereals harvested:
- Winter wheat: 74 per cent
- Fall rye: 88 per cent
Oilseeds harvested:
- Mustard: 25 per cent
- Flax: 1 per cent
- Soybeans: 7 per cent
- Canola: 4 per cent
Spring cereals harvested:
- Triticale: 68 per cent
- Barley: 32 per cent
- Durum: 20 per cent
- Spring wheat: 6 per cent
- Oats: 12 per cent
- Canary seed: 4 per cent
Pulses harvested:
- Lentils: 73 per cent
- Field peas: 66 per cent
- Chickpeas: 7 per cent
The significant variation in growing conditions across Saskatchewan resulted in a wide range of yield estimates for all crops. Producers throughout the province continue to report considerable yield variability due to the dynamic nature of the growing season.
Current provincial average yield estimates are 52 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 44 bushels per acre for durum, 94 bushels per acre for oats, 74 bushels per acre for barley, 41 bushels per acre for triticale, 38 bushels per acre for canola, 26 bushels per acre for flax and 39 bushels per acre for field peas. Lentil yields are currently estimated at 1,361 pounds per acre, while mustard, canary seed and chickpea yields are estimated at 1,129 pounds, 1,266 pounds and 1,501 pounds per acre, respectively. In many parts of the province, weather conditions during the growing season had a significant impact on crop yields.
Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to wind and rain, which caused some localized flooding. Sclerotinia stem rot damage in canola was also reported, particularly in regions with high precipitation during the growing season.
Producers are actively working on combining, swathing and desiccating crops seeded later in the season. They are also busy baling and hauling straw, as well as transporting grain. Additionally, some producers have started making projections and plans for fall fieldwork to prepare the land for next season.
With harvest well underway, producers are reminded to follow safe operating practices and remain vigilant while working in the field. Having fire suppression resources readily available and taking precautions around power lines can help reduce risks during harvest. The public is encouraged to exercise caution and provide ample space when approaching or passing farm machinery on roads.
The Farm Stress Line is available to provide confidential support to producers, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442.
Northeastern Saskatchewan
Harvest advanced to 4 per cent complete over the past week as weather conditions allowed. This remains significantly behind the 5-year average of 24 per cent and the 10-year average of 18 per cent. Wet field conditions developing towards the end of the reporting period caused harvest delays in some areas, although producers continued to make progress where conditions allowed. Alongside harvest operations, producers are swathing or desiccating later-seeded crops as they prepare for the next stage of harvest
Significant rainfall occurred across the region late in the reporting period, replenishing soil moisture reserves and improving topsoil conditions. The Kelvington area received the highest rainfall amount at 96 millimetres (mm), followed by the Three Lakes area with 77 mm and the St. Peter area with 70 mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
• 22 per cent surplus; and
• 78 per cent adequate.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
• 13 per cent surplus;
• 84 per cent adequate; and
• 3 per cent short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
• 9 per cent surplus;
• 88 per cent adequate; and
• 3 per cent short.
Producers made steady progress with harvest operations this week, particularly in pulse crops, winter cereals and some early-seeded cereal acres.
Winter cereals harvested:
• Winter wheat: 52 per cent;
and • Fall rye: 50 per cent.
Spring cereals harvested:
• Barley: 16 per cent;
• Triticale: 75 per cent;
• Spring wheat: 1 per cent; and
• Oats: 2 per cent.
Pulses harvested:
• Lentils: 18 per cent; and
• Field peas: 29 per cent.
Estimated yields vary by area within the region, with some producers reporting average to above-average yields. Current estimates are 58 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 63 bushels per acre for durum, 107 bushels per acre for oats, 88 bushels per acre for barley, 40 bushels per acre for canola, 37 bushels per acre for field peas and 1959 pounds per acre for lentils. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions is available in the estimated crop yields table.
Flooding and wind were the primary causes of crop damage reported over the past week. Excess moisture in low-lying areas and strong winds resulted in localized crop losses; however, widespread damage was limited. Minor bertha armyworm and aphid damage was also reported in some areas, though overall crop damage remained limited.
Northwestern Saskatchewan
Producers made harvest progress across the region as the weather conditions allowed. Harvest is currently 4 per cent complete, up 3 per cent from last week. This is significantly behind the 5-year average of 20 per cent and the 10-year average of 15 per cent. As harvest operations continue, producers are also busy baling and hauling straw, as well as swathing and desiccating later-seeded crops.
Rainfall received late in the week improved topsoil moisture conditions across much of the region. The highest precipitation was reported in the Redberry area at 70 millimetres (mm), followed by the Round Hill area at 58 mm and the Shellbrook area at 53 mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
• 12 per cent surplus; and
• 88 per cent adequate.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
• 2 per cent surplus;
• 93 per cent adequate; and
• 5 per cent short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
• 1 per cent surplus;
• 93 per cent adequate; and
• 6 per cent short.
Harvest advanced steadily this week, with producers primarily working on pulse crops, winter cereals, and early seeded cereal acres.
Winter cereals harvested:
• Winter wheat: 100 per cent; and
• Fall rye: 100 per cent.
Spring cereals harvested:
• Barley: 6 per cent;
• Triticale: 100 per cent;
• Spring wheat: 1 per cent;
and • Oats: 3 per cent.
Pulses harvested:
• Lentils: 17 per cent; and
• Field peas: 33 per cent.
Producers are reporting variable yield estimates across the region, with some areas seeing average to above-average results. Estimated yields are 54 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 25 bushels per acre for flax, 102 bushels per acre for oats, 77 bushels per acre for barley, 42 bushels per acre for canola, 35 bushels per acre for field peas and 660 pounds per acre for lentils. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions is available in the estimated crop yields table.
Flooding and wind were the primary causes of crop damage reported over the past week. Excess moisture in low-lying areas and strong winds resulted in localized crop losses; however, widespread damage was limited. Producers also reported minor bertha armyworm and aphid activity in some areas, though the impact on crops was generally minimal.
