This week's crop report shows farmers have made good progress with the harvest despite scattered storm activity around the province.
Crop Extension Specialist Tyce Masich says the harvest is most advanced in the Southwest where 44 per cent of the crop is now in. That's followed by the southeast with 28 per cent, the east central with 25 per cent, the west-central with 15 per cent, the northeast with 12 per cent and the northwest with seven per cent.
He notes some producers in the border areas of the southwest and west-central regions could wrap up the harvest by next week.
According to the report, crop yields vary across the province with some producers experiencing higher than expected yields while others are once again seeing less than average in the areas hit hardest by the heat and dry conditions.
Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to the recent storm activitty with strong winds, heavy rain and severe hail (in some cases the size of golf balls) resulting in lodged or total crop losses.
There was a large amount of precipitation reported over the week in the southeast where 94 mm was received and 76 mm in the Creelman area. The central and northern area reporting 20 to 30 mm.
Where the rain has developed its helping to improve soil moisture conditions, while other areas are still experiencing extremely dry conditions and will need to see substantial rainfall and snow coverage to ensure a good start to the 2025 growing season.
Provincially, topsoil moisture for cropland is rated as one per cent surplus, 39 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Finally, pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 39 per cent very short.
Masich notes that the rain has little benefit for the crops right now other than helping to mitigate fire risk, overall the moisture is good to see.
He adds that we have seen several field, bale and equipment fires over the past week.
"Producers are reminded to take precautions when operating or maintaining equipment, hauling bales and conducting any other activity that poses a fire risk. Producers should ensure they have fire mitigation resources at the ready and take it slow when working around power lines."
The public is also being reminded to exercise caution around farm machinery and equipment travelling on highways and grid roads.
Harvest can be a stressful time for producers and the Farm Stress Line is available to provide support toll free at 1-800-667-4442.
To see specific regional updates click here.
To hear Glenda Lee's conversation with Crop Extension Specialist Tyce Masich click on the link below.