In many parts of the province, farmers are starting to shift their focus to fall fieldwork as the harvest is beginning to wrap up. Across all of Saskatchewan, 89 percent of the 2020 crop is in the bin, up from 77 percent the previous week. This is well ahead of the five-year average of 67 percent.
In the southwest, the harvest is already 99 percent complete, while in the southeast, it is 96 percent complete. The west-central part of the province has wrapped up 90 percent of the harvest, while 82 percent of the harvest is complete in the east-central region. The northeast is 81 percent complete, and the northwest is 66 percent finished.
For the most part, the crop is coming off dry in the central and northern regions, however, there are reports some is coming off tough, and aeration and grain dryers are needed.
Moisture continues to be a concern in many parts of the province. While the conditions are dry for a quick harvest, producers are concerned about re-charging the soil ahead of the winter, to set up for prime conditions next spring.
The winds have been drying out the topsoil, and cor cropland, just 35 percent is rated as having adequate topsoil moisture, with 40 percent short and 25 percent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture levels are also low, with 25 percent adequate, 34 percent short and 41 percent very short.
The southeast corner of the province is sitting in a very precarious position, however. The cropland topsoil moisture is being reported at 84 percent short or very short, while hay and pasture land topsoil is rated as 96 percent short or very short.
Some crop damage was reported in the past week. Producers cite wind, waterfowl and other wildlife as primary causes of damage. The lack of moisture and frost were also listed as some causes of crop damage in the past week.
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