Released on October 17, 2013
Ninety-seven per cent of the 2013 crop is now combined, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report. Dry weather in most areas of the province allowed many producers to finish harvest. The five-year average (2008-2012) for this time of year is 91 per cent combined.
The southwestern and west-central regions have 99 per cent of the crop in the bin, with the northeastern and northwestern regions at 98 per cent, the southeastern region at 95 per cent and the east-central region at 94 per cent.
Harvest progress by crop district ranges from completed to 90 per cent combined. For the most part, flax, canaryseed, chickpeas and oats are the crops that are still being combined.
Areas in the southeastern and east-central regions received significant rainfall – up to 47 mm – last week, which delayed harvest.
Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as four per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as one per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 27 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.
Crop damage due to rain has resulted in bleaching and sprouting in some cereal crops.
Livestock producers are indicating adequate amounts of hay, straw, greenfeed and feed grain for their winter feeding supplies.
Farmers are finishing harvest, hauling bales and completing fall weed control operations.
Follow the 2013 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKGovAg.
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For more information, contact:
Daphne Cruise
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3587