Harvest has not begun for most Sask. producers: crop report
Most producers across Saskatchewan have not started harvest operations, according to the latest crop report from the province.
Overall harvest progress has reached one per cent, as producers in the southwest and west-central regions mainly have harvesting operations in full swing, a news release said.
However, one per cent is only slightly behind the five year average for this time period (Aug. 2 to Aug. 8) with seven per cent of harvest complete last year at this time.
“Most of the southern half of the province did not get much rain over the past week, with most rainfall reports being between trace amounts and 10 mm; the Weyburn area, however, received 25 mm. Further north, the Rosthern and Hague areas received 35 mm, while in the west, Macklin area producers received up to 61 mm over the course of an evening. Prince Albert also received some localized and very heavy rainfall, with some producers reporting 71 mm over two days,” a news release said.
Topsoil moisture conditions continued to decline, currently rated as three per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and 15 per cent very short, the province said.
Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and 20 per cent very short, according to the province.
Wind, heavy rain, hail, drought stress, heat, wildlife and grasshoppers were the main causes of crop loss from Aug. 2 to Aug. 8.
WATCH OUT FOR FARM MACHINERY
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) wants motorists to be on the lookout for farm machinery on Saskatchewan highways as more and more producers begin harvest operations.
“That’s another good reason that when you’re driving, you should avoid distractions and just drive. Keeping your attention focused on the road ensures you’ll be prepared for whatever you may encounter,” a release from SGI said.
Other tips for sharing the road around farm equipment include:
- Farm machinery is slow moving, so you’ll come up on it quickly when driving at highway speeds.
- You’re even more likely to see farm machinery on grid roads, which are narrower and offer drivers less space to pass.
- Do not pass unless you’re sure that it’s safe to do so. Take it easy, slow down and enjoy the scenic country views if you can’t safely get around the equipment until it leaves the road.
- It’s important to be patient and remember that the person driving or towing that farm equipment is likely moving it a short distance from one field to another.
- Following too closely may put you in the farmer’s blind spot. Hang back a bit.
- The machinery may not have turn signals. Drivers preparing to pass farm equipment should make sure that the farmer isn’t about to turn left into a field. Look down the road and anticipate where the farmer may be going.
- When you do pass, give yourself plenty of space, because farm equipment can be deceptively long and wide.
SGI said there are a small number of collisions between vehicles and farm equipment each year, adding this type of collision is significantly more likely to result in injury.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.