Crop Report: few combines out, crops closer to maturity

Combines are making their way back onto fields in the southwest region as other areas wait for crops to reach maturity, according to the provincial crop report covering the period of July 29 to August 4.

Producers in the southwest are traditionally the first ones to start harvest and the first to finish.

Crops Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture Tyce Masich said farmers in the southwest have 13 per cent of winter wheat, seven per cent of fall rye and one per cent of lentils and peas combined. Their progress marks harvest at less than one per cent complete for the entire province.

While not the primary focus right now, producers in other regions are getting ready for harvest by servicing equipment, hauling grain and cleaning bins.

The crop report states early-seeded crops are maturing and later-seeded crops continue to develop. Producers are hoping for more rain to develop the latter before harvest begins in earnest. The report adds crops that had less moisture are further ahead of development compared to two weeks while crops with sufficient rain are at their normal stage of development.

Crop damage was minor overall but dry conditions, grasshoppers, wind, and wildlife were factors mentioned.