Saskatchewan’s harvest was more than halfway finished at 61 per cent complete, although not as much as the 68 per cent complete from one year ago. The figure was higher than the 42 per cent reported last week, the five-year average of 50 per cent and the 10-year average of 46 per cent. The southwest region was the nearest to completion at 85 per cent while the northeast region’s harvest was only at 34 per cent.

The province’s fall rye and field pea crops were 98 per cent harvested, followed by winter wheat and lentils at 97 per cent, as well as triticale at 96 per cent. Saskatchewan’s mustard harvest was at 84 per cent, while durum wheat was at 83 per cent, chickpeas were at 76 per cent, barley was at 73 per cent, spring wheat was at 60 per cent and oats were at 53 per cent. The canary seed harvest was 32 per cent complete, followed by canola at 28 per cent, flax at 22 per cent and soybeans at 16 per cent.

The Meadow Lake area only received 16 millimetres of rain during the week, but it was the most anywhere in Saskatchewan.

Cropland topsoil moisture was in decline, rated at one per cent surplus, 33 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 23 per cent very short. Hayland was rated at one per cent surplus, 26 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 30 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture was rated at 17 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 40 per cent very short.

Wind and migratory birds were the prime culprits for crop damage, while grasshoppers were being reported in higher numbers.

Hot and dry temperatures raise the risks of bin heating, as well as combine and equipment fires.

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An estimated 42 per cent of the 2024 crop was harvested across the province, which was up from 25 per cent the previous week and ahead of the five-year average of 34 per cent done.

The winter cereals were nearly complete, with only seven per cent of the winter wheat and six per cent of the fall rye still on the field. The lentil and pea harvests were also nearly done, at 92 per cent and 90 per cent complete respectively.

Durum and mustard were both 63 per cent combined, while barley came in at 52 per cent, chickpeas at 45 per cent done, oats at 32 per cent, spring wheat at 28 per cent and canola at 16 per cent.

• RELATED: Manitoba harvest nearly one-quarter complete
  
• RELATED: Alberta’s harvest ahead of average pace

Harvest has progressed quickly throughout most of the province over the past week. Currently, 42 per cent of the 2024 crop has been harvested, which is up from the 25 per cent reported last week. This is ahead of the five-year average of 34 per cent and the 10-year average of 31 per cent. Producers are hopeful for favourable weather to further advance harvest operations throughout the province in the coming weeks.

The southwest region continued to lead harvest operations with 73 per cent of the crops harvested. The northwest region was still in the early stages, 19 per cent harvested.

The range in growing conditions across the province led to large regional variations in yields. Hard red spring wheat yields were pegged at an average of 45 bushels per acre, with durum at 33 bu./ac, oats at 75 bu./ac, barley at 63 bu./ac. and canola at 34 bu./ac. For the pulses, field peas were estimated at an average of 36 bu./ac. with lentils at 1,317 pounds per acre.

“Throughout many regions of the province, crop yields and quality have been negatively impacted by the high temperatures that occurred through the critical stages of flowering combined with the dry conditions experienced in many regions,” said the report.

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Despite the adverse weather, 25 per cent of the province’s crop have come off the fields, four points ahead of the five-year average but down from 33 per cent at this time last year. The southwest region led the way with 44 per cent of its harvest complete, while the northwest region only finished seven per cent of its combining. Border areas in the southwest and west-central regions of Saskatchewan could finish their respective harvests by next week.

Harvests for triticale and fall rye were 87 per cent and 84 per cent complete, respectively, followed by winter wheat at 74 per cent, lentils at 72 per cent and field peas at 68 per cent. The mustard harvest was 43 per cent complete, while durum was at 37 per cent, barley at 31 per cent, chickpeas at 24 per cent, oats at 19 per cent, soybeans at 14 per cent, spring wheat at 13 per cent, canola at eight per cent, canaryseed at five per cent and flax at two per cent.

The northern and central regions of Saskatchewan received between 20 to 30 millimetres of rain during the week, but communities such as Glenavon had 94 mm and Creelman had 76 mm. The rain’s only benefits now would be to mitigate fire risk and improve moisture for the next growing season.

Topsoil moisture for cropland was rated at one per cent surplus, 39 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Hayland was rated at 33 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Finally, pasture topsoil moisture was rated at 22 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 39 per cent very short.

The recent weather resulted in lodged or completely lost crops. Strong winds also blew swaths around, reducing yields and making harvest operations more difficult. Crop yields have varied across Saskatchewan depending on conditions during the growing season. Birds such as geese and cranes have landed onto swathed fields to eat before their migration.

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Saskatchewan reported 15 per cent of its harvest was complete, compared to 21 per cent at this time last year, but higher than the five-year average of 13 per cent and the 10-year average of 11 per cent. In the southwest region, 29 per cent of its harvest was complete while the northwest region was only at one per cent complete.

Fourteen different crops have already come off the ground in the province, including 62 per cent of the fall rye crop and 61 per cent of the triticale crop. Winter wheat (56 per cent), lentils (50 per cent) and field peas (44 per cent) were not far behind. The barley and mustard harvests were both 17 per cent finished, with durum at 14 per cent, oats at 11 per cent and soybeans at 10 per cent. Canaryseed, chickpeas and spring wheat were at four per cent while canola was at two per cent.

Out of the fall rye crop, 57 per cent was graded as 1 CW. For the winter wheat crop, 61 per cent was graded as 1 CW with another one per cent graded as feed.

While many areas in Saskatchewan received no precipitation during the week, the Craven area had 69 millimetres of rain, followed by the Strasbourg area at 66 mm and the Caron area at 52 mm.

Cropland topsoil moisture was 35 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture was 31 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 25 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture was 25 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 41 per cent very short.

Four per cent of pastures were rated in excellent condition, 22 per cent were good, 36 per cent were fair, 25 per cent were poor and 13 per cent were very poor.

An ongoing lack of moisture and higher temperatures led to crop damage during the week, while crop lodging occurred due to wind and hail damage. Grasshoppers continue to have a presence in drier areas, while canola fields are seeing greater amounts of sclerotinia stem rot development this year.

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Pasture conditions in much of Saskatchewan were diminishing due to the hot and dry conditions. While sporadic rainfall in north and east parts of the province will benefit later seeded crops as they mature, but came too late for early seeded crops.

Harvest progress came in at six per cent complete, which was slightly ahead of the five-year average of five per cent done. The southwest was the furthest ahead in the province at 16 per cent harvest complete. The southeast trails behind with 11 per cent of crops harvested. The harvest has yet to start in both northwest and northeast Saskatchewan.

Winter wheat and fall rye harvested acres greatly increased in the last week. Provincially, 55 per cent of winter wheat was harvested and 42 per cent of fall rye. Pulse crop harvest continued with 28 per cent of lentils and 26 per cent of field peas harvested. Eight per cent of barley crops, three per cent of durum and two per cent of spring wheat have been combined. Harvest progress for oilseeds was insignificant as only one per cent of canola and mustard were harvested.

Cropland topsoil moisture was 29 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 23 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture was 24 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 29 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture was 16 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 37 per cent very short.

The limited rainfall in Saskatchewan was impacting livestock water supplies and some livestock producers were concerned about water availability for their animals. Provincially, one per cent of livestock water supplies were severely short and 31 per cent moderately short. When asking producers if they are concerned about water availability on their farm, 77 per cent indicated they aren’t concerned while 23 per cent said they were.

The majority of crop damage in Saskatchewan during the week was from dry conditions paired with hot temperatures. Grasshopper damage to crops was also reported during the period.

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While any moisture received would be too late for advanced crops, producers indicated precipitation would still be beneficial for later seeded crops to help with grain fill along with supporting pasture conditions.

The heat and dry conditions have brought harvest on quickly in some regions of the province. The harvest was two per cent complete across the province, which was in line with the five- and 10-year averages. The southwest region was the most advanced, at four per cent complete, followed by one per cent complete for the southeast and east-central regions. All other producers were preparing for harvest by getting equipment ready, cleaning out bins and hauling grain.

On a crop-by-crop basis, fall rye was 15 per cent harvested followed by winter wheat at 12 per cent harvested. Nine per cent of field peas were harvested and eight per cent of lentils have been harvested.

Many producers were wrapping up their haying and silage operations. Provincially, dryland alfalfa yields were estimated to be 2.13 tonnes per acre, while greenfeed is estimated to be 2.63 tonnes per acre. Irrigated alfalfa yields were estimated to be 2.79 tonnes per acre, with greenfeed yield estimated at 3.34 tonnes per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.67 tonnes per acre provincially.

Topsoil moisture continued to decline, with cropland topsoil moisture rated as 29 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and 18 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture was reported at 27 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 22 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture was 20 per cent adequate, 50 per cent short and 30 per cent very short.

The lack of moisture and heat continued to be the main cause of crop damage across the province. Wind, aphids and grasshoppers also caused crop damage over the past week with varying degrees of damage reported. As canola continues to mature, producers were observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields.

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Some crops showed reductions in the amount falling behind in their development. Fall cereals were 86 per cent normal or ahead of normal development, followed by perennial forage at 78 per cent and pulse crops at 77 per cent. Annual forage was at 71 per cent normal or ahead of normal development, while spring cereals were at 66 per cent and oilseeds were at 60 per cent.

While much of the province received minimal precipitation, if any, Regina, Frobisher, Langenburg and Macklin all reported at least 50 millimetres coming from isolated storms. Despite the disparity between crop yellowing from excess moisture in some areas and persistent dryness in others, overall crop conditions were good. However, canola and mustard growers were concerned about the heat occurring during the crops’ flowering stages.

Triticale was rated at 98 per cent good to excellent, followed by canary seed at 96 per cent and mustard at 95 per cent. Durum was rated at 93 per cent good to excellent, while oats were at 92 per cent and barley, spring wheat and winter wheat were all at 90 per cent. Lentils were rated at 88 per cent, followed by field peas at 87 per cent, chickpeas at 85 per cent, canola at 84 per cent, flax at 83 per cent and fall rye at 82 per cent. Soybeans were behind at 64 per cent.

Cropland topsoil moisture was rated at seven per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and two per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture was reported at five per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate, nine per cent short and two per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture was three per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and three per cent very short.

Hay quality was rated at 89 per cent good to excellent with 19 per cent of the hay crop receiving its first cut. Six per cent of the crop has been baled or silaged. High humidity levels are prolonging the amount of time needed for hay to dry. Haying will continue over the next few weeks.

Most crop damage reported during the week was caused by excess moisture, while damage from heat stress was reported in other areas. Isolated hail events also caused damage, as well as gophers and grasshoppers. Disease has also been developing in some fields, as well as insect pressure caused by aphids and cabbage seedpod weevils. Growers will apply fungicide to reduce the potential for disease, while also monitoring fields for insects.

The post Saskatchewan Crop Report: Warm conditions advancing crop development appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

For the week ended July 1, the report said three per cent of the province’s winter cereals were in the tillering stage, with eight per cent at stem elongation, 22 per cent at flag leaf, 57 per cent were heading, and 10 per cent reached the dough stage. Of the spring cereals, five per cent were at the seedling stage, 33 per cent tillering, another 33 per cent at stem elongation, 23 per cent at flag leaf, and six per cent were heading.

The ag department said six per cent of Saskatchewan’s pulses were at the seedling stage, 48 per cent at the rosette stage, 26 per cent were bolting, and 11 per cent were flowering.

For the oilseeds, 15 per cent of the canola and mustard were at the seedling stage, with 48 per cent at the rosette stage, plus 26 per cent bolting and 11 per cent flowering. Meanwhile, 33 per cent of the flax was at the seedling stage, along with 63 per cent at stem elongation and four per cent were flowering.

During the reporting period, the province received widespread rainfall that included isolated hail. There continued to be flooded crops in low lying areas, but some parts of Saskatchewan are still in need of moisture. Provincewide cropland topsoil moisture levels increased with 14 per cent rated as surplus, along with 80 per cent adequate, six per cent short.

As for hayland topsoil moisture levels, nine per cent were surplus, 84 per cent adequate, six per cent short, and one per cent short. The report said six per cent of the hay has been cut, with three per cent baled or for silage, and the quality rated at 94 per cent good to excellent.

Pasture topsoil moisture levels came in at five per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate, nine per cent short, and two per cent very short. That translated into Saskatchewan’s pastures being 86 per cent good to excellent.

With the excessive rains, the report noted there’s been crop yellowing, stunting, and root rot setting in. Hail, winds, and gophers added to the issues. As the canola develops, flea beetles were becoming less of a problem.

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The cool and wet conditions caused some delays to crop development, although the majority of crops were still developing normally.

Fifty-five per cent of oilseeds in the province were on pace in their development, while 41 per cent were behind and four per cent were ahead. Spring cereals were 66 per cent normal and 29 per cent behind, while fall cereals were 76 per cent normal and 14 per cent behind. Pulse crops were 78 per cent normal and 19 per cent behind. Perennial forage was 75 per cent normal and 16 per cent behind, while annual forage were also 75 per cent normal but 22 per cent behind.

The most rain fell in the area of Rosthern between Saskatoon and Prince Albert at 95 millimetres. Nipawin and Biggar reported 75 and 72 mm, respectively.

Pasture topsoil moisture was 86 per cent adequate, nine per cent short and five per cent surplus. Hayland topsoil moisture was 87 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and six per cent surplus. Cropland topsoil moisture was 88 per cent adequate, three per cent short and nine per cent surplus. Across the province, 79 per cent of producers reported no current or future shortages for livestock water supplies while 12 per cent said there was potential for shortages later this summer. However, 90 per cent said they were not concerned about water quality.

Three per cent of seeded land was flooded and unlikely to produce a crop. One per cent of forage crops had excess moisture while six per cent may have yields significantly reduced due to dry conditions. One per cent of pastures were not accessible or usable, while the carrying capacity could be reduced in nine per cent of pastures.

Excess moisture, frost, leaf disease and pests including gophers and flea beetles all caused crop damage during the week. Producers have applied fungicides while also being urged to take control measures against grasshoppers.

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Helping things along was the rainfall that varied across the province. The areas around Porcupine Plain and Foam Lake received 73 to 83 millimeters, the department reported. That also improved Saskatchewan’s topsoil moisture levels, with four per cent rated as surplus, 91 per cent was adequate and four per cent was short.

Field pea planting was virtually complete at 99 per cent, followed closely behind by lentils at 97 per cent. Meanwhile, chickpeas were a little further back at 90 per cent finished. Saskatchewan Ag said 18 per cent of the pulses were at the pre-emergent stage, with 68 per cent at the seedling stage and 14 per cent at the vegetative stage.

Of the cereals, spring wheat led at 96 per cent seeded, with durum a point back. Barley was next at 92 per cent complete, with oats at 88 per cent and triticale at 84 per cent. The department reported 26 per cent of spring cereals were at the pre-emergent stage, 57 per cent were at the seedling stage and 17 per cent were tillering.

As for the winter cereals, 48 per cent reached the tillering stage, with 25 per cent at stem elongation, 20 per cent at flag leaf and seven per cent were heading.

The oilseeds saw canary seed at 94 per cent finished with canola at 93 per cent, flax at 92 per cent and mustard at 87 per cent. Saskatchewan reported 43 per cent of the canola and mustard were at the pre-emergent stage, 54 per cent was at the seedling stage and three per cent at the rosette stage.

Regionally, planting reached 96 per cent complete in Saskatchewan’s southeast and southwest, with the northwest at 93 per cent done. A point behind that were the east-central, west-central and northeast regions of the province.

As seeding wound down, more producers were spraying their crops when the weather permitted.

In terms of damage, wind, frost and hail led to some minor issues. Flea beetles and cutworms were being dealt with while grasshoppers and gophers continued to be monitored.

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