Saskatchewan's latest crop report is showing that some producers are already moving into harvest thnaks to excessive drought.
Mackenzie Haldun, Crop Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture, explains the current state of that work.
"Harvest is beginning with combines becoming quite a frequent site in the west, central, and southwest regions of Saskatchewan. Many other areas of the province are preparing for harvest operations, either by applying desiccant or checking their crops before ripening stages."
"The hot and dry conditions have definitely helped the crops ripen, and producers are definitely seeing that harvest will be on the horizon soon. A lot of producers are also hoping for rain once the crops are off to help replenish the moisture levels for next year."
Hladuns ays that so far the number of farmers getting harvesting underway is still small, so a percent figure for harvest operations won't come until next week.
Some other areas did get rain, mostly congregating in the northern part of the province.
"The rain was received in the north this past week as pockets as moisture moves through the region reports. Reports of hail were also received in some areas. The most rain that was recorded was in the Prince Albert area was 53 millimeters and the shellbrook region also recorded significant moisture with 47 millimeters this past week. Other areas of the province received some precipitation, with many reporting only trace amounts."
The low moisture rates in many areas contributed to a decrease in moisture in many different areas.
"Hot temperatures really persisted this past week, which, coupled with the lack of rain, caused a decrease in soil moisture. Moisture levels provincially are: crop land has 13 per cent adequate moisture. 39 per cent is short and 38 per cent is very short. Hay and pasture land is very similar or 11 per cent has adequate moisture, 32 per cent short and 47 per cent is very short."
"Pastures have most definitely been impacted by our lack of rainfall. Currently on a provincial level, 5 per cent of pastures are in good condition, 28 per cent are fair, 32 per cent are poor and 25 per cent are very poor."
A good amount of crop damage was also caused by this heat, with the usual suspects also having an effect.
"So this past week, a lot of our crop Downers was also due to drought and heat stress. Grasshoppers and Gophers were also seen throughout the province. They also took their toll on some of the crops this past. Week however, many producers have stopped applying pest control products and if they are applying products, it's recommended that they read and follow their label and also consider pre harvest intervals when applying those products."
The dry conditions and especially during harvest can be extremely stressful for producers, and they're encouraged to keep in mind that the farm stress line is available for them and they can call whenever they need to. Also for producers, due with dry conditions, additional resources are available through the ministry website or they can contact their regional office.