Rain delays in Southeast: 21 per cent of crop is in

ESTEVAN — Producers within the region are busy harvesting, desiccating and swathing. Currently, overall harvest progress sits at 21 per cent for the region despite some rain delays. This is ahead of the five-year average of 11 per cent and 10-year average of 14 per cent reported for the region. Large variations in harvest progress are reported between census divisions given the differences in moisture conditions experienced throughout the growing season. Many producers are hopeful for rain following harvest to help replenish soil moisture conditions.

Within the southeast region, 88 per cent of fall rye has been harvested as well as 51 per cent of winter wheat. For spring seeded cereal crops, 32 per cent of both durum and oats are harvested, 29 per cent of barley, followed by only eight per cent of spring wheat harvested. For pulse crops within the region, 66 per cent of field peas are harvested followed by 49 per cent of lentils and 25 per cent of chickpeas. Mustard is ahead in harvest completion for oilseeds with 31 per cent in the bin. Currently, canola sits at four per cent harvested within the region. Harvest percentages reported include per cent of crop harvested as feed. A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the attached harvest progress table.

Regionally, 40 per cent of the fall rye is reported at 1 CW and 60 per cent 2 CW. Winter wheat grade quality is reported at 39 per cent 1 CW, 54 per cent 2 CW, five per cent 3 CW and two per cent as feed.

Rainfall was variable throughout the region with widely scattered storms reported, producing heavy rain, high winds and hail in some areas. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Craven and Strasbourg areas which reported 69 mm and 66 mm respectively. The Odessa area received 32 mm over the past week and the Creelman area received 14 mm.

Topsoil moisture continues to fall short within the region. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is 33 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 30 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 25 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 35 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 41 per cent very short.

The persistent hot and drier conditions have led pasture conditions to diminish within the region, but recent rains may help improve conditions in some areas. Currently, 18 per cent of pastures are in good condition, 23 per cent are fair, 49 per cent are poor and 10 per cent are very poor.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to the impacts from the lack of moisture combined with the increased temperatures. Wind also caused crop lodging within the region along with isolated areas reporting up to severe hail damage. Grasshoppers continue to persist in the drier areas within the region as well. As canola matures, sclerotinia stem rot development is still being reported.

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