ASSINIBOIA - Relatively dry, hot weather has allowed for producers in the southwest to continue their harvest operations without any major delays, with many producers making short work of their crops. Harvest progress is at 17 per cent just ahead of the five-year average of 15 per cent.
Crops in the region have suffered through drought-like conditions all season long with some areas receiving more rain than last year. Overall, crops will be below to well below average for yield. Lentils, field peas and winter cereals have been harvested so far with durum and some canola being the next to be combined.
Fifty-three per cent of the winter wheat, 50 per cent of the fall rye, 32 per cent of the field peas, 31 per cent of the lentils and 12 per cent of durum have been harvested so far.
There were spotty rain showers in the region this past week with the most precipitation being received in the Vanguard area which got 30 mm, the Mossbank area received 18 mm, the Gravelbourg area 14 mm and the Big Beaver area three mm. Producers who have started their harvesting operations would like to see the rain hold off until they have finished getting their crop off the fields. Livestock producers would like to see it rain to help keep their pasture from burning up in the heat. Producers are monitoring their livestock watering sources frequently to ensure that the quality and quantity can sustain their herds.
With minimal rain and hot weather continuing this week, topsoil moisture continues to deteriorate. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 26 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 38 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 23 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 41 per cent very short.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to drought, wind, and grasshoppers. Some producers who have desiccated or swathed their lentils have noted that strong winds have blown the pods off the lentil plants and have drastically reduced their yields.
Farmers are busy getting equipment and bins ready for harvest, swathing crops and combining.
