Widespread rainfall across the province over the past week stalled harvest operations. Harvest is currently 32 per cent complete, an increase of five per cent from last week. This remains well behind both the five-year average of 71 per cent and the 10-year average of 63 per cent.
The Rural Municipality (RM) of Sarnia recorded the highest rainfall at 97 millimetres (mm), followed by the RM of Sasman with 85 mm and the RM of Aberdeen with 80 mm.
Topsoil moisture increased in cropland, hayland and pastures this past week.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
- 34 per cent surplus;
- 63 per cent adequate; and
- 3 per cent short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
- 21 per cent surplus;
- 74 per cent adequate;
- 4 per cent short; and
- 1 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
- 13 per cent surplus;
- 79 per cent adequate;
- 6 per cent short; and
- 2 per cent very short.
Winter cereals, pulses and early-seeded cereal crops continue to account for most harvest progress, with winter cereal harvest nearly complete.
- Winter cereals harvested:
- Winter wheat: 93 per cent; and
- Fall rye: 98 per cent.
- Oilseeds harvested:
- Mustard: 51 per cent;
- Flax: 5 per cent;
- Soybeans: 7 per cent; and
- Canola: 15 per cent.
- Spring cereals harvested:
- Triticale: 89 per cent;
- Barley: 47 per cent;
- Durum: 46 per cent;
- Spring wheat: 17 per cent;
- Oats: 19 per cent; and
- Canary seed: 18 per cent.
- Pulses harvested:
- Lentils: 88 per cent;
- Field peas: 84 per cent; and
- Chickpeas: 26 per cent.
Crop yield and quality vary across the province due to differences in rainfall throughout the growing season. Excessive rainfall received in many areas affected grain quality, with crop yield quality graded as:
Field peas:
- 30 per cent graded as 1 Canada (CAN) compared to 42 per cent for the 10-year average;
- 61 per cent graded as 2 CAN compared to 51 per cent for the 10-year average;
- 8 per cent graded as 3 CAN compared to 6 per cent for the 10-year average; and
- 1 per cent graded as sample, similar to 1 per cent for the 10-year average.
Lentils:
- 17 per cent graded as 1 Canada (CAN) compared to 31 per cent for the 10-year average;
- 70 per cent graded as 2 CAN compared to 52 per cent for the 10-year average;
- 9 per cent graded as 3 CAN compared to 15 per cent for the 10-year average; and
- 4 per cent graded as sample, compared to 2 per cent for the 10-year average.
Durum:
- 23 per cent graded as 1 Canada Western (CW) compared to 39 per cent for the 10-year average;
- 28 per cent graded as 2 CW similar to 28 per cent for the 10-year average;
- 25 per cent graded as 3 CW compared to 20 per cent for the 10-year average; and
- 24 per cent graded as other, compared to 13 per cent for the 10-year average.
Barley:
- 18 per cent graded as malt compared to 31 per cent for the 10-year average;
- 53 per cent graded as 1 CW compared to 51 per cent for the 10-year average; and
- 29 per cent graded as 2 CW compared to 18 per cent for the 10-year average.
Excessive moisture, strong winds and waterfowl activity were the primary causes of crop damage this week. Frost damage in later-seeded crops and hail were also reported in some areas.
With wet field conditions continuing to slow harvest, producers are hoping for warm, dry weather to allow harvest to resume. Producers are reminded to make safety a top priority. The public is also encouraged to be patient and exercise extra caution when approaching or passing farm machinery on public roads.
The Farm Stress Line is available to provide confidential support to producers and their families at 1-800-667-4442.