A farmer did swathing of his crop on a field adjacent to the Weyburn Humane Society and City works shop on Thursday, in an attempt to get his crops off the field before winter progresses any further.
As was reported in late November, the southeast region had 94 per cent of the crops combined, with the Weyburn crop district (2A) at 97 per cent completed, and the Radville-Lake Alma-Minton area (3ASE) at 92 per cent completed. The province as a whole has 93 per cent of the crops combined.
Crop yields vary across the region, and there are reports of higher-than-expected yields. Crop quality across the southeast is below average for almost all crop due to varying factors such as sprouting, staining and bleaching. Crops that were harvested early on fared better for quality.
Cropland topsoil moisture in the southeast is rated as 36 per cent surplus and 64 per cent adequate. On hay land and pastures, topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and one per cent short.
The average dryland hay yields for the southeast were, in tons per acre, as follows: alfalfa, one; alfalfa/brome, 1.3; other tame hay, 1.1; wild hay, 0.8; and greenfeed, 2.0.
The majority of livestock producers indicate that they have adequate to surplus supplies of feed (hay, straw, greenfeed and grain). Hay quality going into winter is rated as 41 per cent good and 59 per cent fair.
Crop reporters have indicated that winter wheat and fall rye acres are significantly down from previous years. A late harvest caused fall seeding delays for some producers.
The Farm Stress Line is available to support producers who may be struggling due to the difficult harvest. Producers can call the Farm Stress Line at 1-800-667-4442 at any time.
