Northwest harvest one per cent complete

As harvest is just starting for some producers within the region, many are anticipating starting within the next week if weather allows.

Producers are busy swathing, desiccating and monitoring desiccated crops for dry down. The persistent lack of moisture and increased heat has impacted grain fill within the region across various crops.

Currently, the northwest region is one per cent complete harvest. This is behind the five-year average of three per cent and 10-year average of two per cent for the region.

Within the northwest region currently, winter wheat harvest is complete. Fall rye sits at five per cent harvested and spring wheat is one per cent complete. Three per cent of oats have been harvested for feed. Of the pulse crops, 14 per cent of lentils have been harvested and ten per cent of field peas. Producers have not reported grades for winter wheat or fall rye that has been harvested within the region. A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the attached harvest progress table.

Rainfall was variable over the past week throughout the region with many areas reporting minimal amounts. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Hafford area at 18 mm. The Speers area received 13 mm over the past week and the St. Walburg area received 11 mm.

Topsoil moisture conditions remain similar to previous weeks. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is 26 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 30 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 49 per cent short and 34 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 16 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 44 per cent very short.

Pasture conditions continue to diminish within the region due to the persistent hot and drier conditions. Currently, one per cent of pastures are in excellent condition, 15 per cent are good, 36 per cent are fair, 30 per cent are poor and 18 per cent are very poor.

Crop damage over the past week remains mainly due to the impacts from reduced moisture combined with the increased temperature along with crop lodging due to wind. Minor crop damage was reported for hail, wildlife and waterfowl over the past week. Grasshoppers are causing minor to moderate damage in some areas within the region. As canola continues to mature within the region, sclerotinia stem rot and blackleg infections are being observed.