Despite the weekend rain, producers were still able to make progress with harvest. Seventy per cent of the 2016 crop is now combined and 22 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The five-year (2011-2015) average for this time of year is 79 per cent combined.
Regionally, harvest is furthest advanced in the southwest, where producers have 79 per cent of the crop in the bin. Seventy-seven per cent of the crop is combined in the southeast, 61 per cent in the east-central region, 65 per cent in the west-central region and northeastern regions and 64 per cent in the northwest. Some producers in the southern regions have completed harvest.
Ninety-eight per cent of the field peas, 93 per cent of the lentils, 68 per cent of the durum, 67 per cent of the spring wheat, 61 per cent of the canola and 20 per cent of the flax have been combined.
Rain was general throughout the province, with areas in the west-central and northwestern regions receiving lesser amounts than other regions. Most areas reported receiving at least 25 mm of rain or more. The greatest amount of rainfall, 63 mm, was reported in the Moosomin area. The Carnduff area received 56 mm, Limerick 38 mm, Webb 30 mm, Foam Lake 51 mm, Bethune 42 mm, Nipawin 33 mm, Biggar 13 mm and Meadow Lake 9 mm.
Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 17 per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate and two per cent short. The recent rain has slowed harvest in some regions, as topsoil was only just starting to dry out enough to support equipment. Areas around Porcupine Plain, Tisdale and Arborfield are reporting that 49 per cent of cropland acres have surplus moisture at this time. Areas around Canora, Preeceville and Foam Lake are reporting that 36 per cent of cropland acres have surplus moisture at this time. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and six per cent short.
Strong winds have blown around some canola swaths, resulting in shattering losses. Standing water from the recent rain also caused some crop damage this past week. Bleaching, sprouting, fusarium and earth tag are causing grade loss.
Producers are busy harvesting, hauling bales and controlling weeds.
Source : Government of Saskatchewan