arm, dry weather meant excellent combining conditions that allowed producers across Saskatchewan to make substantial harvest progress this week. An estimated 63 per cent of the provincial crop has now been harvested, up 22 per cent from last week. Harvest progress remains behind the five-year average of 91 per cent and the 10-year average of 82 per cent. This continues to trail historical levels due to a delayed start in some areas.
Rainfall was limited this week, with the highest amounts reported in the Mount Pleasant area at 15 millimeters (mm) and the Martin region at 12 mm. Dry conditions meant a marginal decrease was reported in topsoil moisture reserves.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
- 13 per cent surplus;
- 81 per cent adequate; and
- 6 per cent short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
- 8 per cent surplus;
- 84 per cent adequate;
- 7 per cent short; and
- 1 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
- 5 per cent surplus;
- 81 per cent adequate;
- 12 per cent short; and
- 2 per cent very short.
Harvest progress is relatively consistent across all regions of the province. The southwest region leads with 84 per cent complete, followed by the west-central and southeast regions at 69 and 57 per cent complete, respectively. The northwest region has reached 53 per cent completion, the east-central region has 52 per cent, while the northeast is 49 per cent harvested. Producers across Saskatchewan continue to take advantage of the warm, dry conditions as harvest advances steadily toward completion.
Winter cereals, pulse crops and spring-seeded cereals continue to account for most of the harvest progress across Saskatchewan. Winter cereal harvest is now essentially complete. Producers have made substantial gains on pulse and spring cereal crops as warm, dry conditions have supported uninterrupted harvesting operations.
- Winter cereals harvested:
- Fall rye: 100 per cent; and
- Winter wheat: 100 per cent.
- Oilseeds harvested:
- Mustard: 84 per cent;
- Canola: 45 per cent;
- Soybeans: 17 per cent; and
- Flax: 24 per cent.
- Spring cereals harvested:
- Triticale: 97 per cent;
- Barley: 79 per cent;
- Durum: 79 per cent;
- Oats: 56 per cent;
- Spring wheat: 65 per cent; and
- Canary seed: 50 per cent.
- Pulses harvested:
- Lentils: 96 per cent;
- Field peas: 97 per cent; and
- Chickpeas: 65 per cent.
Livestock water availability remains favourable across Saskatchewan, with 93 per cent of producers reporting no current or expected shortages. Six per cent reported moderate shortages and one per cent anticipated future shortages. Concerns regarding water quality were limited, with eight per cent of respondents citing issues, primarily due to algae in some water sources. Producers also reported that adequate rainfall has supported water supplies by keeping dugouts full.
This week, most of the crop damage was caused by high winds. Some producers reported winds strong enough to blow swaths away. The other minor reports of crop damage were caused by some localized flooding, frost, waterfowl and wildlife.
As warm, dry conditions persist across the province, the risk of machinery fires remains elevated. Producers are reminded to take appropriate fire prevention measures, including carrying fire suppression equipment, regularly cleaning combines and other machinery, and exercising caution when working around powerlines. Motorists are also encouraged to remain alert and use caution when sharing roadways with agricultural equipment during harvest operations.