Hot, dry weather sped up crop development across Saskatchewan last week, and harvest is now underway in parts of the province, including areas near Lloydminster.
Early-seeded crops are nearing maturity in many areas. Producers there don’t need more rain.
In other regions, growers are still hoping for moisture to help fill out later-seeded crops.
Provincial harvest sits at two per cent complete, with most progress reported in the southwest. Winter wheat harvest is 7 per cent done and fall rye is at 21 per cent. Triticale leads spring cereal harvest at 37 per cent.
Rainfall was limited last week. The Milden area received the most at 31 millimetres, followed by Beaver River at 28 millimetres and Invermay at 20 millimetres.
Topsoil moisture continues to decline. Cropland is now rated 33 per cent short and 9 per cent very short. Hayland sits at 34 per cent short and 8 per cent very short. Pasture moisture is the driest of the three, at 41 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.
Most crops remain rated normal for this time of year despite the accelerated pace. Seven per cent of spring cereals are ahead of normal development and 22 per cent are behind. Oilseeds sit at 6 per cent ahead and 29 per cent behind.
Pasture conditions are mixed. Six per cent are rated excellent and 53 per cent good, while 33 per cent are fair and 8 per cent are poor or very poor due to limited rain in some areas.
Producers reported crop damage from the heat and dry conditions, along with minor damage from wind, grasshoppers and bertha armyworms.
With harvest underway, farm equipment traffic on public roads is picking up. Drivers are asked to be patient and cautious around large machinery.
Dry fields also raise fire risk during equipment operation. Producers are encouraged to take precautions and prioritize safety as harvest ramps up.
Producers with crop or livestock questions can call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre toll free at 1-866-457-2377. The Farm Stress Line offers confidential support toll free at 1-800-667-4442.
