Harvest progress continued this week as producers made good use of available field time, despite the humidity and dew reducing the number of harvesting hours each day. Provincially, 82 per cent of crops have been harvested, with many producers finishing last week. Harvest remains behind the five-year average of 97 per cent and slightly behind the 10-year average of 88 per cent.
Harvest is furthest ahead in the southwest and west-central regions with 92 per cent of crops harvested in each. This is followed by the northwest region with 80 per cent of crops off. Harvest progress sits at 77 per cent complete in the southeast, while harvest is 74 per cent complete in the east-central and northeast regions.
All winter cereals and most of the pulse crops have been harvested except for chickpeas. Spring cereals made significant progress this week.
- Winter cereals harvested:
- Fall rye: 100 per cent; and
- Winter wheat: 100 per cent.
- Oilseeds harvested:
- Mustard: 95 per cent;
- Canola: 72 per cent;
- Flax: 51 per cent; and
- Soybeans: 27 per cent.
- Spring cereals harvested:
- Triticale: 100 per cent;
- Barley: 92 per cent;
- Durum: 92 per cent;
- Spring wheat: 88 per cent;
- Oats: 77 per cent; and
- Canary seed: 68 per cent.
- Pulses harvested:
- Field peas: 99 per cent;
- Lentils: 98 per cent; and
- Chickpeas: 89 per cent.
Current crop yields are similar or slightly better than reported last month, and average provincial yields remain at or above historical averages for most crop types. However, yields vary throughout the province due to regional rainfall levels and agronomic challenges during the growing season.
Cereal yield estimates are:
- 53 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat;
- 45 bushels per acre for durum;
- 94 bushels per acre for oats; and
- 72 bushels per acre for barley.
Pulse crop yield estimates are:
- 37 bushels per acre for field peas;
- 1,532 pounds per acre for lentils; and
- 1,751 pounds per acre for chickpeas.
Oilseed crop yield estimates are:
- 40 bushels per acre for canola;
- 1,039 pounds per acre for mustard; and
- 26 bushels per acre for flax.
With most hard red spring wheat crops now harvested, crop reporters are sharing their grades. Quality varies throughout the province largely due to variable rainfall levels, wet conditions and pest activity during the growing season. Average quality this year appears lower than historical averages.
Currently, average hard red spring wheat quality is:
- 31 per cent 1 Canada Western (CW);
- 44 per cent 2 CW;
- 19 per cent 3 CW; and
- 6 per cent CW Feed.
here was minimal to no rainfall throughout the province last week. The most rain fell in the North Battleford and Rabbit Lake areas with five millimetres (mm). The Hudson Bay, Annaheim, Speers and Maidstone areas each received three mm, with a few areas receiving trace amounts.
Despite limited rainfall last week, topsoil moisture levels continue to remain mostly adequate; however, some areas are beginning to become short.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
- 8 per cent surplus;
- 83 per cent adequate;
- 8 per cent short; and
- 1 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
- 3 per cent surplus;
- 84 per cent adequate;
- 11 per cent short; and
- 2 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
- 2 per cent surplus;
- 79 per cent adequate;
- 16 per cent short; and
- 3 per cent very short.
There is less crop damage being reported as more crops are harvested. For the crops remaining in the field, reporters noted that wind continues to blow swaths around, wildlife is feeding on crops, and freezing temperatures are impacting some crops. Damage observed last week is mostly minor to moderate.
As producers finish harvest, they are starting fall field work which includes spraying for weeds, harrowing, applying fertilizer and moving livestock. With conditions remaining dry in much of the province, we would like to remind producers to have fire mitigation resources ready, blow off their combines regularly and take precautions when working around powerlines. The public is also reminded to exercise caution when encountering machinery and equipment travelling on roadways.