With a week of sunshine and hot temperatures through much of the province, harvest is back on track. However, the rains that preceded the latest summer stretch delayed harvesting, the Ag Ministry outlines in its latest crop report for the period from September 17 to 23.
Despite the showers, farmers are generally still ahead of the game at 79 per cent complete as opposed to 75 per cent represented by the five-year average. Although moisture has helped replenish topsoil moisture conditions and green up pastures for fall grazing, it has also caused concerns for downgrading of crop quality in areas yet to be harvested.
The east central region around Humboldt is close to par with 75 per cent in the bin.
As expected, the southwest leads the way, nearing wrap-up at 96 percent complete. The southeast region currently sits at 83 per cent with the west-central region at 70 per cent completed. Both northeast and northwest regions sit at 65 per cent complete.
Cereal grains are complete in much of east central Saskatchewan with farmers working on canola. Local reports are that the moisture was welcome given the dry condition of the swaths which were becoming subject to pod shatter.
During the reporting period, rain fell through much of the province in varying amounts. The highest amounts were mainly recorded in the southwest region. The Gouldtown area recorded the highest amount of precipitation over the past week at 100 mm which was followed by the Richmound and Eston areas at 82 mm and 81 mm, respectively. Additionally, the Neidpath area received 78 mm and the Admiral area received 75 mm.
Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 64 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 60 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 53 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for additional moisture following harvest to assist with replenishing topsoil moisture supplies for next year.