Released on September 19, 2013
Warm and dry weather over the past week resulted in significant harvest progress being made. Saskatchewan farmers now have 55 per cent of the 2013 crop combined, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report. Thirty per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut. The five-year average (2008-2012) for this time of year is 44 per cent combined and 31 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Harvest is most advanced in the southwestern region, where 69 per cent of the crop is combined. Fifty-five per cent is combined in the southeast; 45 per cent in the east-central region; 64 per cent in the west-central region; 39 per cent in the northeast and 48 per cent in the northwestern region.
Of the crops that have been harvested so far, 97 per cent of peas, 83 per cent of lentils and 70 per cent of durum is estimated to fall within the top two quality grades. While overall yields are reported to be above average, they vary from region to region.
Province-wide, the week’s rainfall ranged from nil to 13 mm.
Very little crop damage was reported. Wind in the southeastern and east-central regions caused some canola swaths to blow around. Light frost was reported in the southeastern and east-central regions as well; however, crops have matured enough that damage is expected to be minimal.
Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as one per cent surplus, 48 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 47 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 13 per cent very short.
Farmers are busy swathing, combining and hauling bales.
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