Crop report: most crops still weeks away from harvest

YORKTON - Harvest progress within the region is mainly from Crop District 6A where crops are slightly further ahead than the rest of the region, with most crops in other areas of the region still one to two weeks away from being ready. Harvest progress for the region is at four percent, almost half the five-year average (2017-2021) of nine per cent. Twenty-seven per cent of the lentils, 17 per cent of the field peas, seven per cent of the barley, four per cent of the durum and three per cent of the spring wheat is now harvested.

The east-central region received the most rain this week as a couple of localized storms passed through the area. The Yorkton area received 36 mm, while the Wadena and Foam Lake areas received 26 mm, many other areas of the region received anywhere between nil to 10 mm. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and six per cent very short.

Pasture conditions in the region are rated as twelve per cent excellent, 47 per cent good, 29 per cent fair and twelve per cent poor. Consistent precipitation since April 1^st has allowed pastures to greatly improve and many livestock producers no longer are concerned about how long their cattle will be able to graze before being pulled off for winter.

The majority of crop damage this week was due to minor hail storms, wind and grasshoppers. Grasshoppers are mainly a concern in Crop District 6A where conditions are drier than the more eastern parts of the region, producers hope that their crop is not too badly damaged before they are able to harvest.