      Producers have been struggling since the beginning of October to finish the last of harvest, but only slight progress has been accomplished.
           According to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report for October 18 to 24, continued wet weather means that only 82 per cent of the 2016 crop has been combined. The five year (2011-2015) average for this time of year is 99 per cent combined, which leave producers far behind schedule.
           Many producers were out testing the crop for the reported week but only a small number of acres were able to be combined, with any crop that was harvested having higher moisture percentages. Equipment was also having difficulty moving through the fields due to wet soil conditions.
           The southeast has 90 per cent of the harvest in the bin, while 85 per cent of the crop is combined in the southwest, 80 per cent in the east-central and northwest regions, 73 per cent in the west-central, and 82 per cent in the northeast region. The majority of the snow has melted in the northern regions, but due to remaining moisture, the wet conditions are inhibiting progress.
           The southern and central regions received rain on the weekend so combines are at a standstill once again. The areas affected included: Moosomin, 25 millimetres; Weyburn, 23 millimetres; Moose Jaw, 62 millimetres; Limerick, 15 millimetres; Ponteix, 21 millimetres; Bethune, 24 millimetres; and Outlook, 22 millimetres.
           Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 58 per cent surplus and 42 per cent adequate, while hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 31 per cent surplus and 69 per cent adequate. Producers still suggest that the soil will have to freeze before combines are allowed back into the crops, and some crops will likely be left over winter. Rain and snow have lodged standing crops.
           Bleaching and sprouting are causing grade loss while wet hay fields are delaying bale hauling. Cattle are coming home from pastures.
           This is the last weekly crop report for the season, but a final crop report will be released November 24 to summarize the harvest. The reports may be found online or on Twitter.
