HUMBOLDT - It was a generally hot and dry week for the northeast which helped crops dry down and mature quickly. In some areas producers claim their crops dried down too fast and this will reduce yield and quality. Harvest progress is now at 21 per cent, up from four per cent last week and only slightly ahead the five-year average of 20 per cent. Crop yields are very good in the region with many yields being higher than the provincial average.
There was very little rainfall in the region this past week with only the Prince Albert area reporting 13 mm and the Garrick area reporting five mm. Although this region received some large amounts of rain over the summer, it has become dry in some areas and fall precipitation will be needed.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 74 per cent adequate and 26 per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 60 per cent adequate and 40 per cent short.
Crops are coming off tough or damp and many are being placed into aeration bins and dryers. Most crop damage this week was caused by wind shelling out standing crops or pushing around swathes.
Producers are busy combining, swathing, desiccating and hauling bales.
