Favourable weather allowed producers in the Weyburn region to pull ahead of the curve, with harvest progress now sitting at 57 per cent complete, according to the latest weekly crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. For the week ending September 8th, the Weyburn, Radville, and Fillmore areas were well ahead of the southeast regional average of 50 per cent.
While local farmers have made significant strides, the overall harvest in the southeast remains behind historical averages. The current mark is below the five-year average of 63 per cent and the 10-year average of 60 per cent for this time of year.
Harvest of lentils, field peas, and winter cereals is nearly finished across the region. Progress continues on other major crops, with barley at 62 per cent combined, durum at 59 per cent, spring wheat at 46 per cent, and canola at 23 per cent.
The report highlighted a clear divide in weather conditions. While southern areas, including Weyburn, received little to no rain, allowing harvest to proceed, northern areas saw significant moisture. The Lipton area reported 26 millimetres of rain, causing delays for producers around Moosomin and Esterhazy, where harvest is only 29 per cent complete.
Delays, however, are expected for many producers in the southeast over the weekend, with rain in the forecast. The rain will not only delay harvest, but other issues could develop as well, such as sprouting.
Despite dry conditions locally, crop yields are estimated to be average or above average. Producers are forecasting 55 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 34 bushels per acre for canola, and 1,840 pounds per acre for lentils.
Topsoil moisture remains a concern throughout the southeast. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 58 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short, and five per cent very short. Officials note that a large amount of precipitation is needed to replenish soil moisture levels and improve pasture conditions for next year.
Crop damage this past week was attributed mainly to wind and frost, with some reports of increased activity from wildlife and migratory birds.