Harvest progress was made earlier in the week before widespread rainfall stalled field operations across much of the province. Currently, 27 per cent of the crop is in the bin, up from 18 per cent last week. This is behind the five-year average of 58 per cent harvested and the 10-year average of 50 per cent.
Large amounts of precipitation were recorded throughout the province and field work will be on hold until it is dry enough to continue. The RM of Longlaketon recorded 138 millimetres (mm), the RM of Eyebrow recorded 132 mm, the RM of Sarnia recorded 127 mm and the RM of McKillop recorded 121 mm.
Fields are generally saturated in many regions and producers are hoping for warm, dry weather going forward. Topsoil moisture increased in cropland, hayland and pastures this past week.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
- 33 per cent surplus;
- 58 per cent adequate;
- 7 per cent short; and
- 2 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
- 23 per cent surplus;
- 64 per cent adequate;
- 10 per cent short; and
- 3 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
- 15 per cent surplus;
- 66 per cent adequate;
- 16 per cent short; and
- 3 per cent very short.
This week, winter cereals, pulses and early-seeded cereal crops accounted for most of the harvest progress.
- Winter cereals harvested:
- Winter wheat: 87 per cent; and
- Fall rye: 94 per cent.
- Oilseeds harvested:
- Mustard: 50 per cent;
- Flax: 3 per cent;
- Soybeans: 7 per cent; and
- Canola: 9 per cent.
- Spring cereals harvested:
- Triticale: 79 per cent;
- Barley: 41 per cent;
- Durum: 38 per cent;
- Spring wheat: 13 per cent;
- Oats: 14 per cent; and
- Canary seed: 11 per cent.
- Pulses harvested:
- Lentils: 84 per cent;
- Field peas: 79 per cent; and
- Chickpeas: 24 per cent.
Crop damage this week was largely due to excess moisture and high winds. There were also small pockets of hail damage. Many crops are now lodged and waterlogged due to very wet fields. Producers are concerned about grain quality, bleaching and sprouting.
Producers continue to swath and desiccate crops as conditions allow. Other activities like baling greenfeed and hauling bales continue as producers wait for things to dry so they can get back into the combines.
With the busy fall season, producers are reminded to follow safe operating practices and remain vigilant while working in the field. The public is encouraged to exercise caution and provide ample space when approaching or passing farm machinery on roads.
The Farm Stress Line is available to provide confidential support to producers, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442.