Harvest advances amidst scattered rainfall

YORKTON — Harvest was able to progress throughout the region despite the scattered rainfall received. Currently, 75 per cent of harvest is complete which is up from the 63 per cent reported last week. This is ahead of the five-year average of 64 per cent and the 10-year average of 59 per cent.

Harvest is complete for winter cereals, triticale, lentils, field peas and chickpeas within the region. For spring-seeded cereal crops, durum leads harvest progress with 98 per cent complete followed by barley at 88 per cent and spring wheat at 87 per cent. Oats currently sit at 61 per cent harvested and canary seed is 39 per cent complete. For oilseed crops, mustard is 94 per cent harvested followed by canola at 53 per cent and flax at 19 per cent harvested. Soybeans currently sit at 50 per cent harvested within the region.

Rain fell throughout the region in varying amounts over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Rhein area at 72 mm followed by the Kenaston area at 66 mm. The Yorkton area received 65 mm and the Pelly area received 55 mm.

Topsoil moisture conditions remain adequate within the region but shortages were still reported. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 61 per cent adequate, 21 per cent short and 18 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 57 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and 20 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for more precipitation following harvest to assist with replenishing depleted topsoil moisture.

As producers evaluate livestock water supplies, 65 per cent indicate that there are no shortages occurring or anticipated, with 30 per cent indicating moderate shortages are occurring and five per cent are anticipating a shortage depending on conditions throughout the fall. Additionally, 90 per cent of producers reported no concerns presently with water quality for their livestock.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to wind, waterfowl, wildlife and grasshoppers but with overall minor damage reported. Additionally, a few producers report excessive moisture in localized areas throughout the region. The recent rain has also caused further challenges for lodged crops, along with concerns for reduced crop quality of unharvested crops within the region.

Producers are also busy with spraying for fall weed control, harrowing, baling, hauling bales, cleaning corrals and fencing.

For more information about East-Central Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.