THE BATTLEFORDS — Producers in the Northwest are seven per cent done with harvest, which is just above the five-year average of six per cent. Producers are busy swathing and desiccating as harvest is entering full swing.
Some producers have reported the yields they are seeing are lower than expected, and are hoping that their later-seeded fields will be more productive.
Field peas are now 50 per cent harvested for the year, while 37 per cent of lentils are in the bin for the year. Spring cereals are just starting to go through the combine and are being led by barley with 13 per cent and four per cent of spring wheat harvested. Four per cent of the flax has also come off in the region. Crops will be quickly harvested as they mature, and the weather remains optimal for harvesting.
There was scattered rain throughout the region causing minor delays and crop damage. The Hafford area reported the most rain with 41 mm, the Glaslyn area 27 mm and the St. Walburg area 17 mm. Soil moisture remains very poor, with 26 per cent of crop land having adequate moisture, 48 per cent is short and 26 per cent is very short. Hayland is rated as 21 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 31 per cent very short. Pastureland moisture is rated as 20 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 38 per cent very short.
Crop damage this past week is mostly due to wind, heavy rain and hail damage which saw some crops be completely cut down. Producers are busy with harvesting, swathing or applying desiccants.
For more information about Northwestern Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.
