Saskatchewan farmers move closer to wrapping up harvest

Warm and dry weather across Saskatchewan allowed producers to stay in the field longer and get more of their crop in the bin.

Combining is at 84 per cent complete, which is a 16 per cent increase from last week.

Crops Extension Specialist Samantha Marcino said the latest crop report indicated all regions had a good week with minimal interruptions, and every region is at or above the 80 per cent mark for combining.

“The southwest region leads with 87 per cent harvest complete, but is closely followed by the west-central and northwest areas that are both at 86 per cent harvested,” Marcino said. “The southeast region is sitting at 84 per cent harvested, while the northeast region is at 83 per cent, and the east-central region is slightly behind at 80 per cent harvested.”

The Meadow Lake area had the most rainfall at just 13 millimetres, and the Loon Lake area had 11 mm.

Marcino said crop reporters asked producers about current water supplies and water quality.

“Three per cent of respondents said that there are severe or widespread shortages occurring, 31 per cent reported moderate shortages, 16 per cent said shortages are anticipated, and 50 per cent said there are no shortages occurring or anticipated,” she said. “Provincially, 23 per cent of respondents said producers are worried about the livestock water quality. The bulk of the water concerns are related to dry weather and low water levels and dugouts with decreasing water quality.”

Most of the crop damage was caused by high winds strong enough to blow swaths away. The other reports of crop damage were caused by wildlife and waterfowl.