Saskatchewan harvest progress reached 27 per cent before widespread rainfall stalled field operations across much of the province, according to the latest provincial crop report.
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The Sept. 1-7 report shows 27 per cent of the crop is now in the bin, up from 18 per cent the previous week but well behind the five-year average of 58 per cent and the 10-year average of 50 per cent, the provincial government reported.
Large amounts of precipitation were recorded throughout Saskatchewan, with field work on hold until conditions dry. The RM of Longlaketon recorded 138 millimetres, 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, the report says.
Topsoil moisture increases
Topsoil moisture increased in cropland, hayland and pastures. Cropland topsoil moisture is now 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.
Harvest progress by crop
Winter cereals, pulses and early-seeded cereal crops accounted for most of the harvest progress this week.
Winter wheat is 87 per cent harvested and fall rye is 94 per cent complete.
Among oilseeds, mustard is 50 per cent harvested, flax 3 per cent, soybeans 7 per cent and canola 9 per cent.
Spring cereals show triticale at 79 per cent harvested, barley 41 per cent, durum 38 per cent, spring wheat 13 per cent, oats 14 per cent and canary seed 11 per cent.
Pulses are furthest along: lentils are 84 per cent harvested, field peas 79 per cent and chickpeas 24 per cent.
Crop damage and quality concerns
Crop damage this week was largely due to excess moisture and high winds, with small pockets of hail damage also reported.
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 road.
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