Crop Report for August 15 to 21, 2017

(Last Updated On: September 6, 2017)

For the Period August 15 to 21, 2017

Harvest is most advanced in the southwest, where 30 per cent of the crop is now combined. The southeastern region has 23 per cent combined, the west-central region 11 per cent and the east-central region four per cent. Both the northeastern and northwestern regions have one per cent of the crop in the bin.

If the weather co-operates, the majority of producers in the province expect to be in the field by the end of the month.A relatively warm and dry week allowed many producers to continue with harvest operations, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. Fourteen per cent of the crop is now in the bin, well ahead of the five-year (2012-2016) average eight per cent for this time. Fifteen per cent of the crop is swathed or ready to straight-cut.

Ninety-two per cent of the fall rye, 83 per cent of the winter wheat, 57 per cent of the lentils, 54 per cent of the field peas, 14 per cent of the durum and two per cent of the canola have been combined. Eighteen per cent of the canola and 14 per cent of the mustard have been swathed.

With the warm temperatures and lack of rain this past week, topsoil moisture conditions have worsened. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as one per cent surplus, 32 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 26 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 38 per cent very short. The majority of the province received little to no rainfall this past week, although the Pierceland area reported 89 mm. Many areas in the northwest are saturated and field access will be an issue.

The majority of crop damage this past week is attributed to hail, strong winds, localized flooding and lack of moisture. Producers continue to scout for insects, such as bertha armyworms in canola.

Producers are busy combining, desiccating crops and hauling bales and grain.

SaskPower has received 12 reports of farm machinery coming in contact with power lines in August, with four reports being received last week. SaskPower urges anyone who has come in contact with electricity to seek medical attention immediately, even if there are no signs of injury.

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 August 15 to 21, 2017

Crops are quickly maturing in the region and fields are being swathed and desiccated. One per cent of the crop is now in the bin, right in line with the five-year (2012-2016) average for this time of year. Four per cent of the crop is now swathed or ready to straight-cut. Many producers expect to be in the field in the coming week if the weather co-operates.

The majority of the region received little to no rain, although the Arborfield area reported 17 mm. The Arborfield area holds the record for the most precipitation (267 mm) in the region since April 1. Crops are drying down quickly and will need additional warm weather to help them mature.

Across the region, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 59 per cent adequate and 41 per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 45 per cent adequate, 52 per cent short and three per cent very short.

The majority of crop damage this past week is attributed to wind, lack of moisture and insects such as bertha armyworms and diamondback moths in canola. Yields are estimated to be about average, although there are some fields that will yield less than normal due to varying moisture amounts throughout the season.

Producers are busy with harvest operations, hauling grain and baling second-cut hay.

Maps and Tables

Farmzone.com – Short-term and long-term weather forecasts including P.O.P and precip accumulation; almanac data including sunrise/sunset times; and daily planning forecasts including drying index, growing degree days and crop heat units.