Harvest begins in some parts of southern Sask.

Some farmers have begun harvesting their fields in southern Saskatchewan, according to the latest weekly crop report from the province.

Less than one per cent of the provincial crop has been combined, while slightly more than one per cent is ready to straight-cut.

According to the report, 47 per cent of fall rye, six per cent of winter wheat, two per cent of lentils and one per cent of field peas are now in the bin.

Many pulse crops in southern and central areas are being desiccated. Reported yields so far range from average to well below average, depending on field and moisture conditions.

Most of the province received little to no rain this past week, though the Glaslyn area reported 38 millimetres over the weekend.

“Many areas remain very dry and will need significant rain to fill crops and replenish topsoil moisture,” Saskatchewan Agriculture said in the report.

“For some producers in the south, crops are rapidly drying down and any rainfall now will come too late to be of benefit.”

Crops continue to be damaged by hot temperatures, hail, localized flooding, strong winds and lack of rain. There are also reports of insects such as aphids, diamondback moths and grasshoppers.

Haying is wrapping up for many livestock producers, and yields remain significantly lower than normal.