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THE BATTLEFORDS — Despite precipitation causing harvest delays over the past week, harvest has progressed to 65 per cent complete within the region which is up slightly from the 63 per cent reported last week. This is ahead of the five-year average of 61 per cent and the 10-year average of 52 per cent. As producers continue to harvest within the region, they are also busy with harrowing, baling, hauling bales, cleaning corrals and fencing.

Harvest is complete for winter cereals, durum, lentils, mustard and chickpeas within the region with field peas nearing harvest completion at 98 per cent. For spring-seeded cereal crops, spring wheat leads in harvest completion at 82 per cent followed by barley at 76 per cent and oats at 69 per cent. For remaining oilseed crops, flax is currently 65 per cent harvested followed by canola at 41 per cent.

Rain was scattered throughout the region over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the North Battleford area at 67 mm followed by the Medstead area at 53 mm. The Rabbit Lake area received 42 mm and the Meota and Radisson areas both received 40 mm.

The recent precipitation has improved pastures and topsoil moisture conditions within the region. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 63 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 52 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and eleven per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 51 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and eleven per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for more precipitation following harvest to further assist with replenishing topsoil moisture within the region.

As producers monitor livestock water supplies moving into the fall, 30 per cent indicate that there are no shortages occurring or anticipated with 40 per cent indicating moderate shortages are occurring, 20 per cent anticipating a shortage depending on conditions throughout the fall and 10 per cent reporting severe and widespread shortages already occurring. Additionally, 70 per cent of producers reported no concerns at the present time with water quality for their livestock.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to wind but with minor damage reported. Additionally, a few producers report excessive moisture in localized areas throughout the region. The recent rain has also caused further challenges for lodged crops, along with concerns for reduced quality of unharvested crops within the region. Producers are also busy with spraying for fall weed control, harrowing, baling, hauling bales, cleaning corrals and fencing.

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