Released on September 11, 2014
Another week of cool and wet weather has delayed harvest for many producers, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report.Fourteen per cent of the provincial crop has now been combined, while 39 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut. The five-year average (2009-2013) for this time of year is 26 per cent combined and 32 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Harvest is furthest advanced in the southwestern region, where 23 per cent of the crop is combined. Sixteen per cent is combined in the west-central region; 15 per cent in the southeast; 11 per cent in the northeast; 10 per cent in the northwest and six per cent in the east-central region.
Provincially, 77 per cent of fall rye, 65 per cent of field peas, 53 per cent of winter wheat, 34 per cent of lentils, 16 per cent of mustard, 12 per cent of barley and 10 per cent of canola have been combined. Seventy-one per cent of canola is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Much of the province received rain this past week, with some areas receiving several inches over the course of a day. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 31 per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate and one per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate and two per cent short.
Yields vary greatly across the province but overall are estimated to be average. The wet field conditions and continuous rain have damaged many crops and quality remains a concern with some pulses and cereals. Strong winds, hail and frost have also caused some damage.
Farmers are hoping for improved weather to help harvest progress.
Follow the 2014 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
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For more information, contact:
Shannon Friesen
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592