Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms around the province slowed down progress in areas to begin harvesting in Saskatchewan according to the Crop Report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
The provincial harvest progress total last week was three per cent, which is behind our five- and 10-year averages. The combination of rainfall, humidity and low temperatures delayed crop development and harvest progress. The southwest continues to lead in harvest progress, sitting at eight per cent harvest completed.
Closer to the Humboldt area, inside of the northeastern section of the province, 1 per cent of the crops have been harvested, as many farmers are still waiting to begin.
Crops in this area have been maturing slowly due to cooler weather and humidity. Farmers are looking for drier weather to avoid sprouting and downgrading of cereals.
There was some rainfall over the week, there was more in the northeastern section of the region with Nipawin receiving 59 mm, Kinistino had 47 mm, while Alvena got 43 mm. Many other areas of the region surpassed 30 mm of rainfall during the week.
Topsoil moisture conditions in this area had significant improvements due to the rainfall received. Cropland topsoil moisture conditions are 86 per cent adequate, three per cent short and 11 per cent surplus. Hayland topsoil moisture conditions are 88 per cent adequate, six per cent short and six per cent surplus. Pasture topsoil moisture conditions are 87 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and five per cent surplus.
The northeast producers are sitting at 1 per cent harvest completion. Fall cereals are leading harvest with winter wheat at 51 per cent combined and fall rye at 85 per cent. Barley is the only other cereal combined at one per cent completion. Lentils are the only pulse combined with three per cent complete.
The main crop damage that was reported in this region was due to bertha armyworms. Producers have been scouting and spraying this past week. Environmental damage was the other most common challenge with low areas being damaged due to heavier rains and crops lodging due to high winds.