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Harvest is moving forward in the Humboldt region, with 27 per cent of crops now combined. Progress varies locally, with census divisions ranging from 24 to 31 per cent complete.
Scattered rainfall caused minor delays in parts of the region. Porcupine Plain recorded the highest amount with 18 millimetres, while Arborfield received 16 and Kelvington 13. Most other areas saw less than a centimetre of precipitation, and some fields received none at all.
Topsoil moisture has declined, with cropland rated 77 per cent adequate. Hay and pasture land are showing more shortages, as moisture ratings have slipped in recent weeks. Farmers also reported minor crop damage from wind, frost, wildlife, and grasshoppers.
Despite those challenges, yields in the Humboldt area are looking fairly strong. Producers are reporting 55 bushels per acre for spring wheat, 83 for barley, 108 for oats, 44 for canola, and 2,170 pounds per acre for lentils.
Provincewide, producers were able to make significant progress over the past week. Forty-one per cent of this year’s crop is now in the bin, up sharply from 23 per cent the previous week. However, the harvest pace is still behind the five-year average of 58 per cent and the 10-year average of 49 per cent.
The southwest region leads the province at 55 per cent complete, followed by the southeast at 50 per cent. The northwest sits at 41 per cent, the east-central region at 31, while both the west-central and northeast regions, including Humboldt, remain at 27 per cent.
While the mostly dry weather has allowed combines to keep rolling, it has also increased the risk of equipment and field fires. Producers are also keeping a close eye on stored grain, with concerns about bin heating after some crops were harvested during high temperatures.
Harvest is expected to continue at a steady pace in the Humboldt area and across Saskatchewan, provided the weather cooperates.