Southeast harvest 77 per cent complete

SOUTHEAST SASK CROP AREA — Harvest is now 77 per cent complete in the southeast, which is up 12 per cent from last week. This is a lower increase than the last reporting period, which is due to scattered rainfall in the region causing harvest delays. This is still greater than the five-year average of 66 per cent and 10-year average of 67 per cent.

Harvest is complete for winter wheat, triticale, lentil and field pea crops, with fall rye harvest almost wrapped up at 96 per cent harvested. Additionally, chickpea harvest will be wrapping up soon as 92 per cent have been harvested. Barley and durum lead spring-seeded cereal harvest progress with 94 per cent and 92 per cent, respectively. Spring wheat follows closely behind as 86 per cent of these acres have been harvested. For other spring cereals, 85 per cent of oats have been harvested, along with 49 per cent of canary seed. Mustard is currently 87 per cent harvested, which leads oilseed crops. Canola and flax distantly follow aa 56 per cent and 46 per cent harvested, respectively. Soybeans have the highest percentage of crop remaining in the field as only 33 per cent have been harvested.

There was a significant amount of rainfall in certain areas during this reporting period. The Indian Head area received the most rainfall in the province with 49 mm. The Francis area got 39 mm of rain, while the Trossachs and Avonlea areas each received 28 mm.

The rainfall improved topsoil moisture conditions which were drying out prior to the rain. Cropland topsoil moisture is now 61 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 53 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Finally, pasture topsoil moisture is 52 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and 14 per cent very short.

Pasture conditions in the southeast are better than provincial averages. Thirty-four per cent of pastures are in good condition, 35 per cent are fair, 26 per cent are poor and five per cent are considered very poor.

Wind and waterfowl were the main sources of crop damage this past week, but damage is considered minor. Once fields dry out, producers will be busy harvesting their remaining crops. Producers are also baling straw and post-harvest harrowing.

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