Ministry of Agriculture
Producers have made good progress with harvest over the past week despite several storm delays with 25 per cent of the crop now harvested, ahead of the 5-year average of 21 per cent. The storms brought strong winds and heavy hail and in some areas, the hail was as large as golf balls, resulting in total crop loss for some producers. Producers are hoping for warm clear days to help their crops mature and avoid additional harvesting delays.
The southwest is leading harvest progress with 44 per cent of their crop off, followed by the southeast with 28 per cent, the east central with 25 per cent, the west-central with 15 per cent, the northeast with 12 per cent and the northwest with seven per cent. It is reported that some producers in the border areas of the southwest and west-central regions could wrap up harvest by next week.
Due to the heavy thunderstorms experienced over the past week, topsoil moisture has improved for some regions while others are still experiencing extremely dry conditions. These areas will need substantial rainfall and snow coverage to ensure a good start to the 2025 growing season.
Topsoil moisture for cropland is rated as one per cent surplus, 39 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Finally, pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 39 per cent very short.
There was a large amount of precipitation reported over the week, with a concentration of rain in the southeast region where the Glenavon area reported 94 mm and the Creelman area reported 76 mm. The central and northern regions received rain as well, ranging from 20 to 30 mm over the week. Receiving rain now has little benefit for the crops besides helping to mitigate fire risk.
Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to strong winds, heavy rain and severe hail resulting in lodged or completely lost crops. Strong winds also blew swaths around resulting in loss of yield, making harvest more difficult. Producers are hoping these storms cease until harvest is wrapped up to avoid any more loss to their already diminished yields following the heat wave in July.
Crop yields vary across the province with some producers experiencing higher than expected yields while others are once again seeing less than average in the areas hit hardest by the heat and dry conditions. As they make their way south, birds such as geese and cranes have moved into fields with swathed crops to feast for their long journey. Producers hope they do not stay too long or congregate in great numbers, which could result in trampled and eaten swaths.
There have been several field, equipment and bale fires across the province over the past week and producers are reminded to take precautions when operating or maintaining equipment, hauling bales and conducting any other activity that poses a fire risk. Producers should ensure they have fire mitigation resources at the ready and take it slow when working around power lines. The public is also reminded to exercise caution regarding machinery and equipment travelling on roadways. Harvest can be a stressful time for producers and the Farm Stress Line is available to provide support toll free at 1-800-667-4442.
Northeastern Saskatchewan
The northeast region now has 12 per cent of this year’s harvest completed, slightly ahead of the five-year average of nine per cent. Producers are patiently waiting for their crops to dry down and some are starting to ramp up swathing and desiccating activities. This week saw storms roll through some of the region resulting in delays.
Fall rye harvest has wrapped up, allowing producers to focus on spring seeded crops. So far 38 per cent of field peas, 21 per cent of barley, 13 per cent of lentils and two per cent of spring wheat have been harvested so far. If conditions remain dry, harvest will move along quickly in the region.
Like most of the province, the northeast received precipitation throughout the week with some areas such as Rosthern reporting 28 mm. Other notable precipitation was reported in the Bruno area (25 mm) and the St. Brieux area (18 mm). Crop land topsoil moisture is rated as 55 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 47 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and five per cent very short. Pastureland is rated as 42 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and five per cent very short
Crop damage this past week is mostly due to wind, heavy rain and hail damage which saw some crops be completely cut down. Producers are busy with harvesting, swathing or applying desiccants.
Northwestern Saskatchewan
Producers in the northwest are seven per cent done with harvest, which is just above the five-year average of six per cent. Producers are busy swathing and desiccating as harvest is entering full swing. Some producers have reported the yields they are seeing are lower than expected, and are hoping that their later seeded fields will be more productive.
Field peas are now 50 per cent harvested for the year, while 37 per cent of lentils are in the bin for the year. Spring cereals are just starting to go through the combine and are being led by barley with 13 per cent and four per cent of spring wheat harvested. Four per cent of the flax has also come off in the region. Crops will be quickly harvested as they mature, and the weather remains optimal for harvesting.
There was scattered rain throughout the region causing minor delays and crop damage. The Hafford area reported the most rain with 41 mm, the Glaslyn area 27 mm and the St. Walburg area 17 mm. Soil moisture remains very poor, with 26 per cent of crop land having adequate moisture, 48 per cent is short and 26 per cent is very short. Hayland is rated as 21 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 31 per cent very short. Pastureland moisture is rated as 20 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 38 per cent very short.
Crop damage this past week is mostly due to wind, heavy rain and hail damage which saw some crops be completely cut down. Producers are busy with harvesting, swathing or applying desiccants.
