Harvest 61% complete, hot, dry weather leading to assorted issues
While mostly dry conditions across the province helped producers steam ahead with harvest, the heat and lack of moisture is contributing to declining soil quality.
From Sept. 3 to Sept. 9, farmers across Saskatchewan reported that 61 per cent of this year’s crops are in the bin. Following the trend of this growing season, the southwest leads harvest progress with 85 per cent while the northeast remains in last place with 34 per cent.
The current progress is far above the five and 10-year averages of 50 and 46 per cent.
The hot and dry weather is allowing harvest to progress but has increased the risk of equipment fires. Producers are also monitoring stored grain closely as bin heating has become a widespread concern.
Harvesting of winter cereals, triticale, lentils and field peas is nearly complete, according to the province.
For oilseed crops, mustard is the furthest advanced at 84 per cent, followed by canola at 28 per cent and flax at 22 per cent.
Yield and quality continues to be varied across Saskatchewan due to scattered rainfall.
Quality of peas remain slightly above the 10-year average – similar to lentils. Duram wheat is slightly below its 10-year average at its highest grade – 28 compared to 36 per cent – while 2 CW and 3 CW are listed above the average.
Barley crops are also slightly below the established 10-year-average.
Limited rainfall across the province was reported during the week. Meadow Lake reported the most severe rainfall with 16 millimeters followed by Yellow Creek and North Battleford with 10 millimeters.
Topsoil conditions continue to decline due to weather conditions with cropland and hayland both reporting just one per cent surplus.
“There is a significant need for large amounts of precipitation in many areas to help with replenishing topsoil and subsoil moisture levels along with improving pasture conditions,” the report read.
Causes of crop damage in the past week consisted of wind and migratory birds. The province also noted that grasshoppers are being reported at higher numbers in some areas but are responsible for minor to moderate crop damages overall.
The complete crop report can be accessed here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most Canadians support expansion of Old Age Security benefits: Nanos survey
Most Canadians support boosting Old Age Security (OAS) benefits by 10 per cent for seniors aged 65 to 74, according to a new Nanos Research poll conducted for CTV News.
Manitoba man acquitted 50 years after murder conviction
A Manitoba man convicted of murder 50 years ago has been acquitted. Clarence Woodhouse was found guilty in 1974 of fatally beating and stabbing a restaurant worker in downtown Winnipeg.
Health official confirms death of Ontario child following rabies diagnosis
A health official has confirmed a child in Ontario has died after they came in contact with a rabid bat.
Breast cancer patient says she had to lie to get a mammogram in Ontario
When an Ontario doctor refused to sign off on a mammogram for 38-year-old Sidra Lone, the mother of four says she was left with no choice but to lie.
American expat votes in Canada could 'change everything': election expert
With the U.S. election widely predicted to be a close race, some believe American voters in Canada and overseas will be crucial in helping elect the new president about a month from now.
Billionaire businessman Frank Stronach facing new charges
More sexual assault charges have been filed against billionaire Frank Stronach with the Canadian businessman now facing a total of 18 charges.
Ontario family devastated after losing thousands to online flight ticket scam
An Ontario family was planning a religious trip to Saudi Arabia that included 10 people, but when they were checking in for their flights, the family discovered some of their tickets were fake.
Toronto police officer convicted of stealing from dead people sentenced to 7 years in prison
A Toronto police officer convicted of stealing from deceased individuals he was supposed to be investigating has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Grandparents found hugging each other after fallen tree killed them in their South Carolina home
As Hurricane Helene roared outside, the wind howling and branches snapping, John Savage went to his grandparents' bedroom to make sure they were OK.