Harvest operations in Saskatchewan have made significant progress, reaching 82 per cent completion, up from 63 per cent the previous week. This acceleration is attributed to favourable weather conditions over the last two weeks, allowing many farmers to wrap up their harvests.
The current harvest rate is behind the five-year average of 97 per cent and the ten-year average of 88 per cent for this time of the season. Regional progress varies, with the southwest and west-central regions leading at 92 per cent, followed by the northwest at 80 per cent, the southeast at 77 per cent, and the east-central and northeast regions both at 74 per cent.
Most fall crops, including rye, winter wheat, and triticale, have been fully harvested. Field peas, lentils, and mustard are nearly complete at 99 per cent, 98 per cent, and 95 per cent, respectively. Among spring cereal crops, barley and durum are both at 92 per cent, spring wheat at 88 per cent, oats at 77 per cent, and canary seed at 68 per cent. Oilseed crops like canola are at 72 per cent, flax at 51 per cent, and soybeans at 27 per cent. Chickpeas lag behind other pulses at 89 per cent harvested.
Yields show variability across the province. Oats lead with 94 bushels per acre, followed by barley at 72 bushels, hard red spring wheat at 53 bushels, and durum at 45 bushels. Pulses like field peas yield 37 bushels per acre, lentils 1,532 pounds per acre, and chickpeas 1,751 pounds. Oilseeds such as canola yield 40 bushels per acre, flax 26 bushels, and mustard 1,039 pounds. Kim Stonehouse, Crops Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that yields are similar to last month's report and remain at or above historical averages for most crop types, though they vary due to regional rainfall and agronomic challenges.
The quality of hard red spring wheat is also variable, with 31 per cent graded as 1 Canada Western (CW), 44 per cent as 2 CW, 19 per cent as 3 CW, and six per cent as CW Feed. Minor to moderate damage from wind, wildlife, and freezing temperatures has been reported on remaining crops. Topsoil moisture levels are mostly adequate, with 83 per cent of crop land rated as adequate, 8 per cent short, and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture levels are also largely adequate.
Farmers who have completed harvest are now engaged in fall field work, including spraying for weeds, harrowing, applying fertilizer, and moving livestock. The Ministry of Agriculture reminds everyone to prioritize safety as dry conditions persist and post-harvest activities begin.