Saskatchewan Harvest Is Well Ahead Of The Five-Year Average

Crops Extension Specialist Matt Struthers says so far 20 per cent of the crop is now combined and in the bin compared to the five-year average of four per cent.

"They got 34 per cent of the crop in the southwest in, and then 22 per cent in the southeast, 13 per cent in the east central, 18 per cent in the west central, 14 per cent in the northeast, and then lastly 7 per cent in the northwest. So they're making really good progress everywhere, and there's even farmers in the south who have finished harvesting or are close to it."

So far, 83 per cent of winter wheat, 75 per cent of fall rye, 64 per cent of field peas and lentils, 25 per cent of barley and 13 per cent of spring wheat has been combined.

While 12 per cent of canola has been swathed or is ready to straight-cut.

He notes the recent rain has been a welcome site for many producers.

While it may delay harvesting operations, many are still happy to finally see the rain.

The rain will not make any difference in the crop yield for this year.

Pastures that no longer have cattle on them will benefit from the rain and have a chance to recover from the severe drought conditions.

According to the report cropland topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and 67 per cent very short; while hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent adequate, 21 per cent short and 77 per cent very short.

Crop damage issues remain the same with the majority from wind, heat, drought stress, gophers and insects such as grasshoppers and flea beetles.

Farmers are busy getting equipment and bins ready for harvest, swathing and desiccating crops, combining is well underway in almost all areas of the province.

Struthers says with harvest underway producers are being reminded to exercise caution while moving machinery and equipment across major and secondary highways.

As well, he notes, concern around fires is very high and farmers are reminded to ensure firefighting equipment is close by in order to stop any combine or field fires from getting out of control.