Harvest begins in west-central, southwest Saskatchewan: Crop report

Harvest is underway in Saskatchewan.

According to the weekly crop report issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers in the west-central and southwest regions of the province have started combining, while producers in many other areas of the province are getting ready as their crops continue to ripen.

“Producers are hoping for rain once the crops are off to help replenish soil moisture for next year,” the report said.

The relative lack of rain in the province and high temperatures during the week depleted soil moisture levels and exacerbated drought-like conditions across Saskatchewan.

Cropland topsoil moisture in the province was rated at 49 per cent short, 38 per cent very short and just 13 per cent adequate. Moisture levels in hay and pasture land were considered 42 per cent short, 47 per cent very short and only 11 per cent adequate.

The dry conditions also affected pastures, with only five per cent of pastures in the province considered in good condition and 28 per cent rated as being in fair condition. The majority were rated either poor (42 per cent) or very poor (25 per cent).

According to the report, crop damage during the week was caused by drought stress, heat, grasshoppers and gophers.