ASSINIBOIA - Harvest is progressing very quickly across the region with some producers claiming they are no more than 10 days away from finishing their harvest operations. 67 per cent of the crop is in the bin, up from 45 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year average (2017-2021) of 41 per cent. The region is extremely dry and producers hope they receive a large rainfall once harvest has concluded in order to break the current dry cycle they are in.
There were minor delays due to rain showers this past week, but fields and crop dried quickly. The Mossbank area received 23 mm, the Gull Lake area 12 mm, the Shaunavon area 10 mm and the Swift Current area four mm. Many producers in the region have received less than 200 mm of precipitation since April 1.
Topsoil moisture conditions are extremely dry across the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 14 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 51 per cent very short.
Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 12 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and 54 per cent very short.
Most crop damage this past week was due to a season of drought stress and grasshoppers. Producers are trying to harvest as quickly as possible before more damage is caused by the insect. Grasshopper carcasses that have come through the combine are also making grain cleaning a challenge.
Producers are busy moving bales and cattle, swathing, combining and hauling grain.
