Farmers remain on the backfoot in terms of harvest, as heavy rainfall across Saskatchewan has stalled out progress in getting crops off the field. According to the latest provincial crop report for Sept. 8-14, harvest is inly 32 per cent complete. While the figure represents an increase of five per cent from last week, the province lags far behind the five-year average of 71 per cent and 10-year average of 63 per cent. In terms of rainfall, the Rural Municipality of Sarnia recorded the highest rainfall at 97 millimetres (mm), followed by the RM of Sasman with 85 mm and the RM of Aberdeen with 80 mm. With the deluge of precipitation, topsoil moisture increased for crop, hay and pastureland with each ground type reporting 63, 74 and 79 per cent adequate moisture respectively. Early seeded crops like winter cereals and pulses account for most of the progress, with 93 per cent of winter wheat and 98 per cent of fall rye harvested. Around half of the mustard crop is harvested while only 15 per cent of canola is reported to be in the bin. Of the spring cereals, triticale is furthest ahead with 89 per cent, while canary seed has the furthest to go with 18 per cent. Out of the pulse crops, lentils are furthest along with 88 per cent complete, while chickpeas lag behind at 26 per cent. Crop yield and quality vary across Saskatchewan due to excessive rainfall, according to the province. Excessive moisture, strong winds and waterfowl activity were the primary causes of crop damage this week. Frost damage in later-seeded crops and hail were also reported in some regions. The need for warm, dry weather continues in order for harvest to continue. The full crop report can be found here.
