Saskatchewan farmers made substantial harvest progress this past week, as warm, dry weather provided excellent combining conditions across the province.
Thursday’s weekly crop report showed 63% of the Saskatchewan crop was harvested as of Monday, up sharply from 41% a week earlier and the best week of progress so far this year. However, due to earlier wet-weather related delays, progress remains well behind last year, when 84% of the crop was off, as well as the five- and 10-year averages of 91% and 82%, respectively.
Rainfall was limited during the week, with the highest totals reported near Mount Pleasant at 15 mm and Martin at 12 mm. Drier conditions contributed to a slight decline in topsoil moisture reserves. Cropland topsoil moisture was rated 13% surplus, 81% adequate and 6% short.
Regional progress was relatively consistent, although the southwest remained furthest ahead at 84% complete. West-central Saskatchewan was at 69%, followed by the southeast at 57%, northwest at 53%, east-central at 52% and northeast at 49%.
Among spring cereals, barley and durum were both at 79% harvested as of Monday. Spring wheat reached 65%, oats 56% and canary seed 50%.
Pulse harvest also advanced quickly. Field peas were 97% complete, lentils 96%, and chickpeas 65%.
Oilseed harvest remained less advanced. Mustard was 84% complete, while canola reached 45%. Flax harvest was 24% complete, and soybeans were at 17%.
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