Although rain delayed progress in some regions in the province, the past week saw producers make good progress on harvest. Operations are nearly complete, with 97 per cent of this year’s crop off the field. It is expected – with favourable weather conditions, that most producers will finish harvest within the next week.
Southwestern Saskatchewan producers report that harvest operations are complete, with the southeast and west-central regions sitting at 98 per cent complete. The east-central, northeast and west-central regions trail slightly, but aren’t far behind with all regions reporting 93 per cent harvest completion.
Winter cereals, triticale, field pea, lentil, durum, mustard and chickpea crops are among those being reported as having completed harvest. Spring wheat, barley and canary seed harvests are just about wrapped up at 99 per cent completion.
Oats are reported to be at 96 per cent completed, followed closely by canola at 94 per cent. Flax and soybeans are furthest behind, sitting at 88 per cent and 77 per cent harvested, respectively.
Several areas in the northern regions of the province experienced delays due to rainfall. The top spot for moisture last week was the Glaslyn area, which received 31 mm of precipitation, Meota and North Battlefords areas were next highest receiving 26 mm and 25 mm, respectively.
Other areas received a noteworthy amount of precipitation as well, with Rosthern experiencing 22 mm, Duck Lake with 20 mm, and 19 mm of rain fell in both Spuce Home and Turtleford.
Provincially, rainfall levels were highest in Aborfield and Wroxton at 32 mm apiece, trailed closely by Lake Lenore area at 28 mm and Star City with 26 mm.
This influx of moisture has helped maintain topsoil moisture levels over the past week. The most recent reports show cropland topsoil moisture levels rated at 60 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short, and four per cent very short.
Hayland levels are rated at 49 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short, and 11 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture levels are showing 43 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short, and 16 per cent very short.
Producers have been reporting a desire for more rain to replenish moisture levels ahead of the winter freeze up.
While levels could be higher, the recent rainfall throughout various regions has helped with pasture regrowth, which is allowing for extended fall grazing for livestock. Reports from producers indicate that feed levels are adequate heading into winter.
Winter feed supplies are estimated to be:
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Hay is 20 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and one per cent short.
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Greenfeed is 18 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate and two per cent short.
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Silage is 14 per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and one per cent short.
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Straw is 17 per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate and two per cent short.
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Feed grain is 11 per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and two per cent short.
Crop damage at this stage of harvest is not reported to be widespread, however, producers did report extensive shelling damage to standing canola and oats from the recent bout of strong winds. The same wind gusts caused swaths of canola and hay to blow around, adding some challenges to harvest. Migratory birds continue to have an impact, although the damage is reported as minimal due to the limited amounts of unharvested crops still on the field.
Producers are now busying themselves with fall spraying, harrowing and discing, bailing, hauling of bales and grain as the harvest winds down. Others are applying fall fertilizer and moving livestock to their winter locations.
As field activity continues, producers are reminded to keep safety top of mind. The public is also reminded to take extra caution on roadways as machinery is still moving from field to field.