Producers were able to get back into the field for a few days and make some harvest progress in between the weekend rains. Eighty per cent of the 2016 crop has been combined and 14 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The five-year (2011-2015) average for this time of year is 86 per cent combined.
Regionally, harvest is furthest advanced in the southeast, where producers have 88 per cent of the crop in the bin. Eighty-one per cent of the crop is combined in the southwest, 77 per cent in the east-central region, 73 per cent in the west-central and 78 per cent is combined in the northwestern and northeastern regions.
Ninety-five per cent of the lentils, 74 per cent of the durum, 79 per cent of the spring wheat, 77 per cent of the canola and 43 per cent of the flax have been combined.
Rain set in on the weekend and was fairly general throughout the province, with areas in west-central and northwestern regions receiving less than other regions. Significant precipitation over the past two weeks in many areas has slowed harvest progress. The largest amount of rainfall (91 mm) was reported in the Hazenmore area. The Redvers and Tantallon areas reported receiving 76 mm, Carnduff reported 60 mm, Broadview 57 mm, Moose Jaw 60 mm, Limerick 56 mm, Climax and Shaunavon 70 mm, Langenburg 38 mm, Dinsmore 34 mm and Biggar 41 mm. Snow was falling in most areas of the province at the time of writing this report.
Spring wheat grades are below the 10-year average and are being reported as 10 per cent 1 CW, 50 per cent 2 C W, 28 per cent 3 CW and 12 per cent CW feed.
Yield estimates have not changed much from one month ago and remain average to above average for most crops. Winter wheat, oat, canola and soybean yield estimates have increased slightly, while mustard and chickpea yields have decreased slightly.
Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 27 per cent surplus and 73 per cent adequate. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 17 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and four per cent short. Many regions in the province are indicating that more than half of cropland has surplus topsoil moisture.
Strong winds and flooding caused the majority of the crop damage, which has resulted in crop yield and quality loss. Bleaching, sprouting and fusarium are causing grade loss.
Producers are busy harvesting, hauling bales and controlling weeds.