Harvest in the province remains ahead of schedule, as progress is at 42 per cent complete, up from 25 per cent last week. It’s also ahead of the 5-year average of 34 per cent and the 10-year average of 31 per cent for this time of year.

Meghan Rosso, Crops Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, says all regions made progress as farmers are hoping for favourable conditions to continue harvest. The southwest continues to lead at 73 per cent complete, followed by the southeast at 47 per cent, the east-central at 38 per cent, the west-central at 31 per cent, the northeast 22 per cent, and the northwest region sits at 19 per cent complete.

The harvest of winter cereals and pulse crops are almost done while other cereal and oilseed crops are catching up. Fall rye is 94 per cent harvested and 93 per cent of winter wheat has been combined. Farmers province-wide have 92 per cent of lentils and 90 per cent of field peas harvested. Progress for durum is at 63 per cent, followed by barley at 52 per cent and oats at 32 per cent. Spring wheat currently sits at 28 per cent harvested and canary seed sits at 19 per cent. Mustard is the furthest ahead at 63 per cent, canola is at 16 per cent and flax at eight per cent.

Conditions were variable province-wide, causing yields to be variable as well. Here’s what crop reporters were able to gather: 45 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 33 bushels per acre for durum, 75 bushels per acre for oats, 63 bushels per acre for barley, 34 bushels per acre for canola, 36 bushels per acre for field peas and 1,317 pounds per acre for lentils. Producers note yields were different from field to field due to scattered rainfall. Crop yields and quality, according to the provincial crop report, “have been negatively impacted by the high temperatures that occurred through the critical stages of flowering combined with the dry conditions experienced in many regions. Additionally, with the increased temperatures occurring through harvest, producers will need to monitor grain storage in the coming weeks.”

Like the yields, rain totals were variable around Saskatchewan except for the west-central region, where the most rain was recorded. The Marsden area got 60 mm followed by the Neilburg area at 57 mm, and the Macklin and Unity areas received 50 mm over the past week.

Rosso says topsoil moisture conditions crop, hay, and pasture land were similar to the prior week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 40 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 22 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 34 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 23 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 37 per cent very short. She says producers are hoping for rain after harvest to help replenish soil moisture mitigate further fire risk.

Wind and migratory birds have been the main factors of crop damage last week. Crop lodging has caused challenges for farmers while combining and minor damage from hail and grasshoppers was also reported in some regions of the province.

Farmers are reminded to exercise caution and be safe in all the work they do. As well, motorists are asked to be patient when travelling around or near farm equipment on the highway.

Harvest progress by region can be found below:

Southeast

Producers were able to make considerable harvest progress within the region over the past week. Currently, harvest is 47 per cent complete which is ahead of the five-year average of 36 per cent and the 10-year average of 40 per cent. In addition to combining within the region, producers are busy swathing, baling straw, hauling bales and monitoring bins for heating. Despite moisture received throughout much of the region last week, the risk of fire remains elevated.

Within the region, winter cereals and some pulse crops are nearing harvest completion. Currently winter wheat is 94 per cent harvested, fall rye is 95 per cent harvested, field peas are 98 per cent harvested and lentils are 92 per cent harvested. Harvest is 69 per cent complete for barley, 68 per cent complete for durum, 63 per cent for oats, 39 per cent complete for spring wheat and canary seed sits at 49 per cent complete. Mustard is the furthest advanced at 65 per cent harvested for oilseed crops, followed by canola at 21 per cent and flax at 19 per cent harvested. 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.

Estimated crop yields vary throughout the region with areas reporting poorer yields to other areas reporting average to above average. Overall, producers are indicating that the increased heat and drier conditions experienced throughout the growing season impacted yield and quality for various crops. Producers estimate 45 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 32 bushels per acre for durum, 79 bushels per acre for oats, 63 bushels per acre for barley, 30 bushels per acre for canola, 32 bushels per acre for field peas and 1,199 pounds per acre for lentils. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions can be viewed in the attached estimated crop yields table.

Lower rainfall amounts were received this week within the region with some areas reporting no rainfall. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Broadview area at 25 mm followed by the Glenavon area at 22 mm. The MacNutt and Moosomin areas both received 15 mm over the past week and the Alida area received 11 mm.

Topsoil moisture dropped within the region this week. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hayland is rated as one per cent surplus, 52 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 44 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for rain following harvest to help replenish soil moisture conditions, assist with pasture growth and mitigate fire risk moving into the fall.

Over the past week, crop damage was mainly due to the wind. Minor crop damage was reported from migratory birds and grasshoppers.

Southwest

Substantial harvest progress was made in the southwest region over the past week. Currently, harvest is 73 per cent complete in the region which is up from the 44 per cent harvest completion reported last week. This is ahead of the five-year average of 56 per cent and the 10-year average of 52 per cent. As producers work on finishing harvest within the region, they are also busy baling straw, hauling bales and monitoring bins for heating. The risk of fire remains high within the region as the drier conditions persist.

Within the region winter cereal harvest is complete. Lentil and field pea harvest is wrapping up with 99 per cent of field peas and 98 per cent of lentils harvested. Harvest is 78 per cent complete for barley, 71 per cent complete for durum, 66 per cent for spring wheat, 63 per cent complete for oats, and canary seed sits at 49 per cent complete. Mustard is the furthest advanced at 79 per cent harvested for oilseed crops, followed by canola at 44 per cent and flax at 19 per cent harvested. 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.

Producers estimate varying crop yields throughout the region. Currently, hard red spring wheat is estimated to be 29 bushels per acre, durum is 31 bushels per acre, oats and barley are 43 bushels per acre, canola is estimated at 24 bushels per acre, fields peas are 28 bushels per acre and lentils are estimated at 1,205 pounds per acre. Quality, along with crop yield, has been significantly impacted in areas due to the lack of moisture and high temperatures experienced throughout the growing season. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions can be viewed in the attached estimated crop yields table.

Much of the region experienced limited moisture again this week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Richmound area at 12 mm. The Leader and Moose Jaw areas received 8 mm over the past week and the Maple Creek area received 7 mm.

Topsoil moisture continues to show large shortages within the region. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 51 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as two per cent adequate, 50 per cent short and 48 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 52 per cent very short. The region will need substantial rain following harvest to help replenish soil moisture conditions, assist with pasture growth and mitigate fire risk moving into the fall.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to wind. Grasshoppers continue to cause minor to severe damage in some areas within the region. Additionally, migratory birds continue to cause minor crop damage.

East-Central

Harvest continues to progress within the region despite scattered rainfall in some areas, causing harvest delays. Currently, harvest is 38 per cent complete which is ahead of the five and ten-year average of 22 per cent. As producers continue with harvest, they are also busy swathing, desiccating, baling straw, hauling bales and will be monitoring bins in the coming weeks. The risk of fire is a concern within the region.

Within the region winter cereals harvest is mainly complete. Harvest progress for lentils is 85 per cent complete and field peas are 83 per cent complete. Durum is estimated to be 39 per cent complete followed by barley at 37 per cent complete and spring wheat at 24 per cent harvested within the region. Oats are reported at 12 per cent harvested. Mustard is the furthest advanced at 88 per cent harvested for oilseed crops, followed by canola at nine per cent. No flax is reported to be 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.

Producers estimate varying yields throughout the region given the differences in moisture received throughout the growing season. Currently, hard red spring wheat is estimated to be 48 bushels per acre, durum is 38 bushels per acre, oats is 67 bushels per acre, barley is 63 bushels per acre, canola is estimated at 34 bushels per acre, fields peas are 38 bushels per acre and lentils are estimated at 1,961 pounds per acre. Producers will continue to monitor crop quality as harvest progresses within the region. There is concern given the increased temperatures experienced during the critical period of flowering for many crops. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions can be viewed in the attached estimated crop yields table.

Scattered rain fell throughout the region with some areas receiving no rainfall. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Wadena area at 38 mm. The Wroxton area received 10 mm and the Hanley area received 7 mm over the past week.

Producers continue to monitor topsoil moisture within the region and hope for moisture following harvest to replenish soil moisture and assist with pasture growth moving into the fall. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 65 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 51 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and 26 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 47 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and 29 per cent very short.

Wind was the main cause of crop damage over the past week which has led to crop lodging. Grasshoppers continue to cause minor damage in some areas within the region.

West-Central

Recent moisture caused some delays to harvest over the past week. Currently, 31 per cent of the crop is harvested within the region. This is behind the five-year average of 38 per cent but falls close to the 10-year average of 32 per cent. As producers continue with harvest in the region, they are also busy swathing, desiccating, baling straw, hauling bales and will be monitoring bins in the coming weeks. The risk of fire remains high within the region from the persistent drier conditions over the past weeks.

Harvest progress by crop is quite variable throughout the region. Currently fall rye is 82 per cent harvested and winter wheat is 75 per cent harvested, lentils are 87 per cent harvested and field peas are 84 per cent harvested. Harvest is 38 per cent complete for oats, 36 per cent for durum, 33 per cent for barley, 24 per cent for spring wheat and 13 per cent for canary seed. Mustard is the furthest advanced at 30 per cent harvested for oilseed crops, followed by canola at 20 per cent and flax sits at only two per cent harvested. 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.

Estimated crop yields vary throughout the region with areas reporting poorer yields to other areas reporting yields that are better than expected. Overall, producers are indicating that the increased heat and drier conditions experienced throughout the growing season negatively impacted yield and quality for various crops. Producers estimate 41 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 37 bushels per acre for durum, 65 bushels per acre for oats, 63 bushels per acre for barley, 36 bushels per acre for canola, 36 bushels per acre for field peas and 1,346 pounds per acre for lentils. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions can be viewed in the attached estimated crop yields table.

Rain fell throughout the region over the past week with areas on the west side of the region receiving higher amounts. The Marsden area reported the highest amount of rainfall for the week at 60 mm followed by the Neilburg area at 57 mm. The Macklin and Unity areas received 50 mm over the past week.

The recent moisture has provided temporary relief to further topsoil moisture depletion but overall dry conditions throughout the growing season are still contributing to moisture shortages. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent adequate, 56 per cent short and 22 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 17 per cent adequate, 49 per cent short and 34 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 17 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 39 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for rain following harvest to help replenish soil moisture conditions, assist with pasture growth and mitigate fire risk moving into the fall.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to the wind. Additionally, grasshoppers continue to cause minor crop damage in some areas within the region.

Northeast

Despite scattered showers causing some delays to harvest over the past week, harvest progressed within the region. Currently 22 per cent of the crop is harvested within the region which is ahead of the five-year average of 20 per cent and the 10-year average of 16 per cent. As producers continue with harvest in the region, they are also busy swathing, desiccating, baling straw, hauling bales and will be monitoring bins in the coming weeks. The risk of fire is a concern within the region.

Harvest progress by crop is quite variable throughout the region. Currently fall rye is 51 per cent harvested and winter wheat is 43 per cent combined with an additional 23 per cent indicated as not being harvested due to other damage and/or challenges. Additionally, durum is five per cent combined with an additional 58 per cent indicated as not being harvested due to other damage and/or challenges. Barley is 51 per cent harvested, spring wheat is 17 per cent, oats are 16 per cent and canary seed sits at two per cent harvested within the region. Field peas are reported to be 83 per cent harvested with lentils at 61 per cent harvested. For oilseed crops, canola is eight per cent harvested and flax is sitting six per cent complete. Producers are reporting other damage and/or challenges associated with mustard harvest within the region at this time. A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the attached harvest progress table.

Estimated crop yields vary throughout the region with areas reporting poorer yields to other areas reporting average yields to slightly better than expected yields. Overall, producers are indicating that the increased heat experienced throughout the growing season negatively impacted yield and quality for various crops. Producers estimate 55 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 99 bushels per acre for oats, 76 bushels per acre for barley, 42 bushels per acre for canola, 45 bushels per acre for field peas and 1,745 pounds per acre for lentils. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions can be viewed in the attached estimated crop yields table.

Scattered rain fell throughout the region with some areas receiving no rainfall. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Tisdale area at 35 mm. The Arborfield area received 27 mm, the Hague area received 20 mm and the Star City area received 19 mm over the past week.

Topsoil moisture fell within the region this week. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 48 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and five per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 44 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 38 per cent adequate, 54 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for rain following harvest to help replenish soil moisture conditions, assist with pasture growth and mitigate fire risk moving into the fall.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to wind. Crop lodging has caused some challenges for producers while combining which has slowed harvest progress in some areas. Minor crop damage was reported from migratory birds and grasshoppers.

Northwest

Recent moisture caused some delays to harvest over the past week. Currently 19 per cent of the crop is harvested within the region. This is ahead of the five-year average of 16 per cent and the 10-year average of 13 per cent. As producers continue with harvest in the region, they are also busy swathing, desiccating, baling straw, hauling bales and will be monitoring bins in the coming weeks.

Harvest progress by crop is variable throughout the region. Winter wheat harvest within the region is complete with fall rye sitting at 63 per cent harvested. Lentils are 82 per cent harvested followed by field peas at 81 per cent harvested within the region. Thirty-two per cent of barley is harvested, durum is 28 per cent harvested with indications of being all harvested for feed, oats are 22 per cent harvested and spring wheat is 20 per cent harvested. For oilseed crops, flax is reported to be seven per cent harvested and canola is four per cent harvested. No mustard is reported to be 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.

Estimated crop yields vary throughout the region with areas reporting poorer yields that didn’t receive adequate moisture. Additionally, hail caused extensive crop loss in some areas within the region. Overall, producers are indicating that the increased heat and lack of moisture experienced throughout the growing season negatively impacted yield and quality for various crops. Producers estimate 46 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 68 bushels per acre for oats, 65 bushels per acre for barley, 35 bushels per acre for canola, 37 bushels per acre for field peas and 1,476 pounds per acre for lentils. A full summary of estimated crop yields for all regions can be viewed in the attached estimated crop yields table.

Rain fell throughout the region at varying amounts over the past week. The North Battleford area recorded the highest amount at 28 mm followed by the Medstead area at 25 mm. The Livelong area received 24 mm and the Maidstone area received 21 mm over the past week.

Topsoil moisture dropped within the region this week. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 42 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short and 31 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 32 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 31 per cent adequate, 31 per cent short and 38 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for rain following harvest to help replenish soil moisture conditions, assist with pasture growth and mitigate fire risk moving into the fall.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly caused by wind and migratory birds. Overall minor crop damage was reported in the region.