Harvest progress across the province took a brief pause due to widespread rainfall, and while progress is up 12 per cent from last week — now sitting at 53 per cent complete — harvest 2025 continues to lag behind both the five and 10-year averages of 73 and 62 per cent.
Harvest progress is furthest along here in the southwest with 66 per cent of crops in the bin followed closely by the southeast at 58 per cent. Both the west-central and northwest regions sit at 47 per cent complete, while the east-central and northeast trail at 46 and 42 per cent harvested, respectively.
Producers report that winter wheat and fall rye harvests have wrapped up, and that field pea and lentil crops aren’t far behind at 96 and 91 per cent. Progress continues getting triticale off the field, now at 75 per cent.
Spring-seeded cereals are led by barley at 72 per cent harvested, with 66 per cent of durum, 56 per cent of spring wheat, 52 per cent of oats and 20 per cent of canary seed in the bin.
Mustard leads the pack in oilseed crop harvest at 41 per cent. Meanwhile, many producers are starting canola harvest with 21 per cent off the field. Flax and soybeans are late to the party, with six per cent of flax and 13 per cent of the soybean harvests complete as of last week.
Crop yields and quality are quite varied, due in part to fluctuations in rainfall and other conditions throughout the growing season:
Peas:
Current Grades — 1 CAN: 42%, 2 CAN: 53%
10-Year Average — 1 CAN: 42%, 2 CAN: 51%
Lentils:
Current Grades — 1 CAN: 26%, 2 CAN: 60%
10-Year Average — 1 CAN: 31%, 2 CAN: 51%
Durum Wheat:
Current Grades — 1 CW: 23%, 2 CW: 43%, 3 CW: 23%
10-Year Average — 1 CW: 38%, 2 CW: 29%, 3 CW: 19%
Barley:
Current Grades — Malt: 24%, 1 CW: 68%, 2 CW: 8%
10-Year Average — Malt: 31%, 1 CW: 50%, 2 CW: 19%
Considerable rainfall was seen across the province over the past week. The Kipling area was the hardest hit with 100 mm. The Lampman and Aberdeen areas saw 85 and 81 mm, respectively. Other notable locations include the Churchbridge area with 78 mm, Griffin with 77 mm, Glenavon with 75 mm and the Rouleau area with 74 mm.
While a detriment to harvest progress, the rain was a boon for topsoil moisture levels overall:
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Cropland:
Surplus 6%, Adequate 66%, Short 22%, Very Short 6% -
Hayland:
Surplus 6%, Adequate 58%, Short 25%, Very Short 11% -
Pasture:
Surplus 3%, Adequate 54%, Short 29%, Very Short 14%
Producers are still hopeful for more moisture once harvest wraps up to replenish depleted moisture reserves.
Wind, wildlife and waterfowl were the primary source of crop damage over the past week. Frost on later-seeded crops and hail were also reported, albeit to a lesser extent. Additionally, grasshoppers continue to pose a challenge in some areas.
Producers are still working hard to swath and combine crops. As we move into the later stages of harvest, more producers will be focused on post-harvest weed control, storing grain and hauling bales.
Fire risks are still present when working in fields despite the recent moisture, so it's important to not get complacent. Producers should also be aware of powerlines when transporting heavy equipment. The public is reminded to be patient and exercise extra caution when meeting or passing farm machinery on public roads.