Saskatchewan farmers made limited harvest progress this past week, slowed by cooler and damp weather.

Provincial crops extension specialist Matt Struthers says combining is at 73 percent complete, up from 64 percent last week and ahead of the five year average of 68 percent.

Harvest ranges from 96 percent in the southwest to 52 percent in east-central Saskatchewan.

He says the wet weather will reduce the concerns about field and equipment fires.

Rainfall ranged from 44 millimeters near Pelly, 30 millimeters in Melfort and Moosomin, and 13 millimeters in Lipton.

Topsoil moisture rating is one percent surplus, 37 percent adequate, 40 percent short and 21 percent very short.

The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind, waterfowl, wildlife and lack of moisture.

There was hard frost in some areas but damage is low due to crop maturity.

The recent rain will likely cause some minor downgrading to cereal crops due to bleaching.
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