Harvest in the southeast has been hit hard by storms, causing delays and damage. Despite these setbacks, producers have made progress, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s latest crop report.
The storms have blown around swaths, lodged crops, and caused flooding and hail damage. So far, only 28 per cent of the crop has been harvested, up from 21 per cent last week, which is ahead of the five-year average.
Some southeast producers noted that their crops are not yet ready for harvest and hope they dry quickly to avoid issues moving into September.
Producers have made strides with their fall cereals, with winter wheat 79 per cent harvested and fall rye 86 per cent in the bin.
Field peas and lentils are nearing completion, with 85 per cent of field peas and 73 per cent of lentils harvested. Producers are now focusing on spring-seeded cereals, including durum, oats, barley, and spring wheat.
Mustard leads in oilseed progress, with 53 per cent harvested. Canola is at 11 per cent.
Heavy downpours in the past week have caused further crop damage and delays, with some areas receiving up to 94 millimetres of rain. Flooding in low-lying areas has posed additional challenges for producers with swathed crops.
Soil moisture in the region has improved as a result. Six per cent of cropland has surplus moisture, 70 per cent is adequate, 19 per cent is short, and five per cent is very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is rated as 56 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short, and six per cent very short. Pasture conditions are similar, with 54 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short, and eight per cent very short.
Producers hope the rainy weather will hold off until more crops can be harvested. In addition to the harvest, southeast producers are working with cattle, hoping the rain will allow them to remain on pasture longer into the fall, reducing the need for supplemental feed in the form of bales.