Isolated showers continue to put harvest into a holding pattern in East Central Saskatchewan. However, in its weekly crop report, the Ministry of Agriculture notes that farmers have made good progress over the past week with 25 per cent of the crop now harvested, ahead of the five-year average of 21 per cent.
Unfortunately, from August 20th to August 26th, some areas were subject to strong winds and heavy hail. The forecast looks more promising for harvest progress with a string of warm and sunny days in store.
The hardest hit with precipitation during the week was the southeast region. The Glenavon area reported 94 mm, and the Creelman area reported 76 mm. Central and northern regions also received rainfall, anywhere from 20 to 30 mm over the week.
Farmers in the Humboldt area are reporting higher than expected crop yields. However, areas to the west and south, hardest hit by heat and dry conditions, are once again seeing less than average yields
The southwest leads harvest progress with 44 per cent of the crop off, followed by the southeast with 28 per cent, east central with 25 per cent, west central with 15 per cent, and the northeast with 12 per cent.
Field, equipment and bale fires have been reported across the province during the week. Producers are reminded to take precautions when operating or maintaining equipment, hauling bales and conducting any other activity that poses a fire risk.
Highway motorists are also advised to proceed with caution when it comes to slow moving agricultural machinery on the roadways.