Favourable harvesting conditions over the past week have allowed producers in southeast Saskatchewan to make significant strides in the field.
The latest crop report, for the week ending September 1, shows the harvest is now 33 per cent complete for the region. While this is a considerable jump from the previous week, progress remains behind the five-year average of 42 per cent and the 10-year average of 43 per cent for this time of year.
According to the report, early indications are that yields are decent so far, with more detailed data expected in next week’s update.
Progress varies slightly across the southeast. In Census Division 2, which includes the Weyburn area, producers are slightly ahead of the regional average at 36 per cent complete. The highest progress is in Census Division 6, which includes the Estevan and Carnduff areas, at 37 per cent.
Producers are now wrapping up winter cereals and pulse crops. The report shows 92 per cent of winter wheat, 87 per cent of field peas, and 83 per cent of lentils are in the bin.
Combines are now focused on spring cereals, with barley leading the way at 46 per cent harvested. Oats are 32 per cent complete, durum is at 31 per cent, and spring wheat is at 25 per cent. The oilseed harvest is just beginning, with 20 per cent of mustard and soybeans complete, and just seven per cent of canola harvested.
The dry weather was key to the progress, as most of the region saw no rainfall. The exceptions were the Neelby area, which received 12 millimetres, and the Francis area with nine millimetres.
The lack of precipitation has caused topsoil moisture levels to drop. Cropland topsoil moisture is now rated as 55 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and three per cent very short. For hay and pasture land, over half is now rated as short or very short. The report notes that while producers don’t want rain now, they are hoping for plenty of moisture after the harvest is complete.