Producers have nine per cent of the 2015 crop combined and 10 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The five-year average at this time of the year is two per cent combined and five per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.

Sixty-three per cent of the fall rye, 59 per cent of the winter wheat, 40 per cent of the field peas, 34 per cent of the lentils and 14 per cent of the chickpeas are now in the bin. Three per cent of the canola and four per cent of the mustard are now in the bin, with 14 per cent of the canola and 21 per cent of the mustard swathed or ready to straight-cut. Warm and relatively dry conditions have helped crops develop quickly in many areas.

Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to nearly three inches in some areas. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as seven per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and five per cent very short.

The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products. It is available at: www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing

Some crop damage was caused by localized hail, wind and insects such as aphids, grasshoppers and diamondback moths.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations and hauling bales.

 East-Central Saskatchewan (Crop District 5 – Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas; Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas)

One per cent of the crop is now in the bin, with six per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Thirty-five per cent of the fall rye and 31 per cent of the winter wheat have been combined, with an additional 51 per cent and 47 per cent, respectively, swathed or ready to straight-cut. Eleven per cent of the peas have been combined, with an additional 30 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Six per cent of the canola has been swathed.

Rainfall in the region ranged from small amounts to 38 mm in the Rose Valley area. The Craik area has received 346 mm of rainfall since April 1, the greatest amount for the region. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 13 per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, three per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and two per cent very short.

Despite the recent rain that has delayed harvest operations, pulse crops are being desiccated and combining is just beginning. However, there are concerns that recent rainfall may cause a decline in the quality of some cereals.  As well, damp cool weather may delay swathing and desiccation of crops. Crop damage this past week was attributed to localized flooding, strong wind and insects such as aphids and diamondback moths.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations.