Ministry of Agriculture
Submitted
Crops continue to rapidly advance with the increased temperatures and lack of moisture experienced throughout much of the province this past week. Conditions have led to a further decline in yield potential for many crops. Although any moisture received would be too late for advanced crops, producers indicate moisture would still be beneficial for later seeded crops to help with grain fill along with supporting pasture conditions.
The heat and dry conditions have brought harvest on quickly in some regions of the province. Provincially, harvest is now two per cent complete. This is aligned with the five-year and 10-year averages of two per cent. Harvest progress is led by the southwest region with four per cent complete, followed by one per cent complete for the southeast and east-central regions. All other producers are preparing for harvest by getting equipment ready, cleaning out bins and hauling grain.
In areas that have started harvest, producers have been working on taking off their winter cereals and pulse crops Provincially, fall rye is 15 per cent harvested followed by winter wheat at 12 per cent harvested. Nine per cent of field peas have been harvested and eight per cent of lentils have been harvested.
Many producers are wrapping up their haying and silage operations. Provincially, dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.13 tonnes per acre, while greenfeed is estimated to be 2.63 tonnes per acre. Irrigated alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.79 tonnes per acre, with greenfeed yield estimated at 3.34 tonnes per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.67 tonnes per acre provincially.
Rainfall was variable over the past week with many areas receiving little to no rainfall. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Christopher Lake area at 42 mm, followed by the Foam Lake area at 36 mm. The Marengo area received 32 mm and the Prince Albert area received 30 mm over the past week.
Topsoil moisture continued to decline this week. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 29 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and 18 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 27 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 22 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 20 per cent adequate, 50 per cent short and 30 per cent very short.
The lack of moisture and heat continues to be the main cause of crop damage across the province. Wind, aphids and grasshoppers also caused crop damage over the past week with varying degrees of damage reported. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields.
Harvest is a stressful time for producers, and they are reminded to take safety precautions and fire prevention measures in all the work they do. The public is also reminded to give machinery extra space and time when travelling on roadways. The Farm Stress Line is available to provide support to producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.
Northeastern Saskatchewan
Producers continue to get harvest equipment ready, haul grain, clean bins and monitor their crops. Limited overall harvest activity is reported for the region other than a few producers beginning to harvest winter wheat in some areas.
Haying operations are progressing in the region with some producers wrapping up. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 1.77 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 2.15 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 2.77 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 4.18 tons per acre within the region.
Rain was variable across the region over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Christopher Lake area at 42 mm. The Duck Lake area received 22 mm and the Choiceland area received 18 mm. Many producers within the region would welcome rain to help with grain fill and bushel weight on later seeded crops.
Topsoil moisture continues to decrease with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 41 per cent adequate, 52 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 38 per cent adequate, 59 per cent short and three per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 36 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.
The lack of moisture and heat continues to be the main cause of crop damage throughout the region. Wind has caused crop lodging with some producers reporting up to severe damage in areas. Aphids accounted for minor to moderate crop damage over the past week and grasshoppers caused minor damage in areas throughout the region. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields along with aborted pod development due to the extreme heat encountered during flowering.
Northwestern Saskatchewan
Producers continue to get harvest equipment ready, haul grain, clean bins and monitor their crops for maturity. A few pulse fields are being desiccated with others close to ready. Limited overall harvest activity is reported for the region other than the odd cereal field that was harvested for feed.
Haying operations are progressing in the region with many producers close to done. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.34 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 1.97 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 2.14 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.88 tons per acre within the region.
Rainfall varied throughout the region with many areas receiving rain in smaller amounts over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the area west of Prince Albert which reported 30 mm over the past week. The Maidstone area received 14 mm followed by the Barthel area which received 11 mm.
Topsoil moisture continues to be impacted by the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent adequate, 68 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 19 per cent adequate, 60 per cent short and 21 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 68 per cent short and 15 per cent very short.
The main cause of crop damage throughout the region continues to be due to the lack of moisture and heat. Wind and aphids caused up to moderate damage in some areas throughout the region. Hail was also reported over the past week with minor crop damage indicated. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields along with aborted pod development due to the extreme heat encountered during flowering.
