88 per cent of crop in bin in SE Sask
September 29, 2017, 5:24 am
Harvest has slowed in the southeast Saskatchewan due to scattered rain showers throughout the week.
Eighty-eight per cent of the crop is now in the bin, slightly up from 86 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year (2012-2016) average for this time of year of 77 per cent according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.
Crops such as flax, sunflowers and soybeans will need more time to dry before producers can continue with harvest.
Rain was welcomed in the region last week to help replenish topsoil moisture and allow for fall cereals to germinate and emerge. However, significant rain is still needed to replenish the subsoil for next year.
Rainfall last week ranged from trace amounts to 29 mm in the Maryfield area. The Alida area has reported the most precipitation (240 mm) in the region since April 1.
Topsoil moisture conditions continue to significantly improve with the recent rain. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 27 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 35 per cent
very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and 45 per cent very short.
Most crop damage this past week was due to strong winds and lack of moisture. Frost was reported but damage is minimal as remaining crops were advanced enough. Many pastures have been overgrazed and some producers have turned cattle out onto hay and stubble fields. Post-harvest herbicide applications continue on those fields that have active weed growth.
