Harvest is essentially complete for producers in the province, with 98 per cent of the crop now in the bin, up from 94 per cent last week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture鈥檚 Weekly Crop Report. The five year (2012-2016) average for this time of year is 94 per cent harvested. There are still some crops, such as flax, soybean and canola, left to harvest, and most of these producers will only need another week or two of warm and dry conditions to finish.
The southeastern, southwestern and east-central regions all have 99 per cent of the crop combined, while the west-central region has 98 per cent. The northeastern region has 96 per cent of the crop in the bin and the northwestern region has 95 per cent.
Ninety-nine per cent of canaryseed, 98 per cent of durum, spring wheat, oats and barley, 95 per cent of canola, 91 per cent of soybeans and 87 per cent of flax have been combined.
The majority of the province received no moisture this past week, although areas in the northwest received small amounts of rain and snow, with the Meadow Lake reporting 11 mm.
Topsoil moisture conditions have remained relatively unchanged over the last few weeks, and significant moisture will be needed to replenish both the topsoil and subsoil before next spring. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 43 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 17 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 22 per cent very short.
The majority of crop damage this past week was due to strong winds and wildlife such as geese and deer. Hard frosts last week have helped dry crops such as flax.
Producers are busy completing combining and fall work, moving cattle and hauling grain and bales.
SaskPower received six reports last week of farm machinery coming in contact with electrical equipment, bringing the total for October to 13. Producers are urged to be especially careful when using equipment around power lines. Safety information is available at www.saskpower.com/safety.
For a complete copy of the Crop Report, visit http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/redirect.cfm?p=87622&i=104316.
Follow the 2017 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
