OUTLOOK - The end of harvest is quickly approaching for many producers in the west-central region, with 92 per cent of harvest completed, according to the crop report for the period of September 12 to 18. This is ahead of the five-year average of 72 per cent.
Producers have now completed harvest of peas, lentils, mustard, soybeans and fall cereals. Spring cereals are virtually complete with spring wheat being 95 per cent harvested, durum is 98 per cent, barley is 97 per cent, canary seed is 94 per cent and oats are 91 per cent complete. Producers are focusing on getting their last oilseed field combined, with 84 per cent of canola and 61 per cent of flax harvested for the year.
Minimal rain was received in the west-central region this week. The Smiley area received the most rainfall, recording five mm. Topsoil moisture is limited in the region, with six per cent of cropland having adequate topsoil moisture, 51 per cent is short and 43 per cent is very short. Three per cent of hay and pastures have adequate moisture, 27 per cent are short and 70 per cent are very short.
Pastures are showing the effects of the dry conditions during the growing season. Five per cent of pastures are in good condition, 17 per cent are fair, 42 per cent are poor and 36 per cent are in very poor condition.
Crop damage this week is due to wind, grasshoppers and drought. Many producers are finishing up their harvest operations and are working their fields for the fall and applying post-harvest herbicides. Many are also bringing cattle home for the winter, hauling bales and preparing winter feed sources. Producers are hoping for significant moisture after their harvest operations are complete to replenish soil moisture for next year’s crop.
