Southwest region leads Saskatchewan in harvest progress, livestock producers worry about water shortages

Hot, dry conditions have allowed farmers in several areas of the province to make progress on harvest this past week, and six per cent of crops are now in the bin, province wide. This is up from four per cent last week and slightly ahead of the five- and ten-year averages of five per cent.

Crops Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture Tyce Masich says the southwest is the furthest along with 16 per cent of harvest complete. Harvest is just beginning in central Saskatchewan with only two per cent complete in the east-central region and one per cent complete in the west-central region. In the north, combines are still parked following some sporadic rainfall.

The main crops coming off first include winter wheat, fall rye and pulses. Harvest progress for oilseeds is insignificant as only one per cent of canola and mustard have been harvested.

Topsoil moisture conditions continue to fall short. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently 29 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 23 per cent very short. Hay land topsoil moisture is 24 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 29 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 16 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 37 per cent very short.

“In some of those east and northeast areas, topsoil moisture is adequate for the most part in cropland, hay land, pastureland. In most other areas of the province, it has been dry, and it continues to dry out.”

He adds that the lack of rainfall is affecting water supplies for livestock producers. He explains that 23 per cent of Saskatchewan livestock producers are concerned about water shortages for their animals.

“Seventy-seven per cent don’t have too many concerns. That’s not a bad place to be, but it certainly could be better. Livestock producers are definitely hoping for a wet fall and a lot of snow this winter to replenish the water resources for their animals.”

The main crop-damaging factors from last week include dry conditions, hot temperatures, grasshoppers, wind, aphids and sclerotinia stem rot.

Masich says farmers were more optimistic earlier in the growing season following significant rainfall, but a dry July and August have decreased yield expectations and potential.