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Producers here in the southeast managed to make great progress on getting the 2023 crop into the bin last week. The latest crop report from the provincial Ministry of Agriculture showed 66 percent of the harvest is done, up from the five-year average of 64 percent. The southeast is slightly behind the provincial average of 68 percent, though.
This recent surge in progress has primarily been driven by the successful harvesting of spring cereals. Notable achievements include 82 percent completion for spring wheat, 79 percent for durum, 84 percent for barley, and 80 percent for oats. With these cereals largely accounted for, producers have now shifted their focus towards oilseeds. Canola stands at 41 percent completion, while mustard has reached 70 percent. Additionally, 18 percent of flax and 33 percent of soybeans have been harvested. Progress has also been made in chickpeas, with 57 percent of the crop successfully harvested.
Producers are seeing some promising results in the grading of peas and lentils. Of the peas, 27 percent are graded at 1 CAN, and 72 percent at 2 CAN. Lentils are performing well too, with 45 percent graded at 1 CAN and 48 percent at 2 CAN. Durum quality remains robust, with 37 percent graded at 1 CW, and 45 percent at 2 CW.
In terms of moisture levels, the region has received minimal rainfall over the past week, with the highest recorded precipitation being 20 mm in the Moosomin area. What precipitation that was received, though, helped to keep moisture levels stable. Thirty-eight percent of cropland is considered to have adequate moisture, while 36 percent is categorized as short, and 26 percent as very short. For hay and pastures, 34 percent are rated adequate, 37 percent are short, and 28 percent are very short.
The challenges faced during this period primarily relate to crop damage, attributed to factors such as grasshoppers, wind damage, and drought. Producers are actively involved in combining, harrowing harvested fields, and taking measures to protect their crops. Additionally, preparations are underway for the upcoming fall sales, with livestock management and bale collection being top priorities.
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