Crop District 8 – Hudson Bay, Tisdale, Melfort, Carrot River, Humboldt, Kinistino, Cudworth and Aberdeen areas;
Crop District 9AE – Prince Albert, Choiceland and Paddockwood areas
For the Period September 11 to 17, 2018
Another week of cool and damp weather has held up harvest in most areas of the region. Some swathing occurred between rain events. Crops that were taken off in the last couple of weeks have been tough and are being aerated and dried.
Twenty-nine per cent of the crop is now combined, up from 27 per cent last week. The five-year (2013-2017) average is 40 per cent for this time of year.
The region received some significant rain, which has resulted in wet field conditions. The Nipawin area received the most moisture in the region at 62 mm. The Star City area received 32 mm, the Arborfield area 36 mm, the Humboldt area 17 mm, the Melfort area 37 mm and the Prince Albert area 40 mm. The Nipawin area has received the most precipitation (409 mm) in the region since April 1.
Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as 18 per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate and 11 per cent short.
Timely rains throughout the growing season has left pastures in decent condition as the grazing season comes to a close. Five per cent of the pastures in the region are rated in excellent condition, 51 per cent in good condition, 33 per cent in fair condition and 11 per cent in poor condition.
Geese are starting to show up on swathed crops. The rain and very few drying days are expected to cause bleaching, staining and sprouting in some crops. Grain dryers will be needed to help bring the crop moisture down for safe storage.
Producers are busy hauling hay and waiting for weather conditions to improve.
