HUMBOLDT - Rain early in the week stalled harvest for many producers but allowed for grain deliveries or machinery maintenance. Sixty-nine per cent of the crop is now in the bin up from 58 per cent last week and ahead of the five-year average of 62 per cent. Producers are taking advantage of any ideal harvesting conditions to get as much of their crop off the field as possible before the next rain.
Precipitation varied greatly across the region with most areas receiving three to 10 mm over the week while others received more. The Melfort area received 35 mm, the Arborfield area 31 mm, the Tisdale area 18 mm and the Garrick area 10 mm. Producers would like the rain to stop until harvest is done to help replenish their soils before freeze up.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 76 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 54 per cent adequate and 46 per cent short.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind blowing around swaths, waterfowl and wildlife. Producers are busy combining, harrowing, spraying weeds, baling and hauling bales.
