Producers across the Southeast region are gearing up for the pulse crop harvest, with some already in full swing as the season's first yields come in.
The region currently has one per cent of the harvest completed for the year with progress being made with the harvesting of winter cereals and pulse crops.
So far, 23 per cent of the fall rye crop has been harvested, along with six per cent of the winter wheat crop. Fifteen per cent of field peas have been harvested, followed by 10 per cent each for lentils and chickpeas. Five per cent of the barley crop has been harvested for feed.
Haying operations are nearing completion in the area, with a low potential for a second cut due to a lack of rainfall. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated at 2.46 tons per acre, greenfeed at 2.31 tons per acre, and tame hay at 1.62 tons per acre. Irrigated alfalfa is estimated at 2.50 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated at 6.88 tons per acre in the region.
Little to no rain was reported over the past week. The highest rainfall was in the Balcarres area with 20 mm, followed by the Esterhazy area with 12 mm and Ituna with 10 mm. Despite it being too late for rain to advance crops, producers are hoping for some moisture to aid in grain fill and bushel weight for later-seeded crops.
Topsoil moisture has continued to decline due to persistent hot, dry conditions. Cropland soil moisture is rated at 26 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short, and 21 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is rated at 25 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short, and 20 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated at 20 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short, and 23 per cent very short.
The continued lack of moisture and heat are the main causes of crop damage throughout the area. Other causes of damage reported include wind, aphids, gophers, and grasshoppers.
As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields, as well as aborted pod development due to the extreme heat during flowering.