Showers don’t dampen progress in Northeastern areas

HUMBOLDT — Despite scattered showers within the region again this week, harvest was able to progress to 34 per cent complete. This aligns with the five-year average of 34 per cent and is ahead of the 10-year average of 30 per cent. As producers continue with harvest in the region, they are also busy with baling straw, hauling bales, along with swathing and desiccating some of the later seeded crops.

Harvest progress by crop is quite variable throughout the region with some fluctuations as compared to previous weeks reports. Producers have indicated that they are struggling with hailed out crops in some areas. Currently, fall rye and triticale harvest is complete within the region with field peas nearing completion. Winter wheat estimated to be 29 per cent combined with an additional 35 per cent indicated as not being harvested due to other damage and/or challenges. Additionally, durum is 26 per cent combined with an additional 58 per cent indicated as not being harvested due to other damage and/or challenges. Barley is 63 per cent harvested, spring wheat is 47 per cent, oats are 36 per cent and canary seed sits at 11 per cent harvested within the region. Lentils are reported to be 76 per cent harvested. For oilseed crops, canola is 13 per cent harvested and flax is sitting at nine per cent complete. Producers are reporting other damage and/or challenges associated with mustard harvest within the region at this time. Harvest percentages reported include crop harvested as feed.

Within the region, some producers indicate that grades of combined crops are holding strong for earlier harvested cereals and peas while others indicate that the size and bushel weights are below normal. Pea grades are reported to be 73 per cent at 2 CAN with 26 per cent at 1 CAN and one per cent at 3 CAN. Lentil grade quality is reported mainly at 2 CW for the region. Durum grade quality is reported at 21 per cent 1 CW and 79 per cent 2 CW. Quality for barley is reported at 41 per cent malt, 41 per cent 1 CW and 18 per cent 2 CW/sample.

Rain was scattered throughout the region over the past week. The highest amount was reported in the Yellow Creek area at 10 mm followed by the Carrot River area at nine mm and the St. Brieux area at eight mm. All other areas received less than six mm of rainfall over the past week with many areas receiving no precipitation.

Reductions to topsoil moisture were reported over the past week. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated 45 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 38 per cent adequate, 49 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 35 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 14 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for precipitation following harvest to help replenish soil moisture levels and improve pasture conditions within the region.

Over the past week, minor crop damage was mainly due to wind along with migratory birds and other wildlife. Producers have also indicated that grasshoppers have caused up to moderate damage in some isolated areas of the region.

For more information about Northeastern Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.