CROP DISTRICTS 9AW 9B – The majority of the northwest did not receive large amounts of rainfall but conditions were still damp enough to slow down harvest progress across the region. Twenty-one per cent of the crop is now combined, up from 15 per cent last week and more than four times the five-year (2016-2020) average of five per cent. Initial crop yields and qualities are very low.
Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to 50 mm in the Duck Lake area. The Hafford and Barthel areas reported 10 mm of rain while the Mayfair and North Battleford areas reported four mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 13 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and 53 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 56 per cent very short.
Most crop damage this past week was due to strong winds that have blown swaths around and shelled out some standing crops. Hail was reported in some areas but the damage is not known at this time.
Producers are busy combining, swathing, desiccating and hauling bales.
Despite the recent rainfall delays that many producers experienced, harvest continues to progress quickly this week. It has advanced substantially in the northern regions. Thirty-six per cent of the crop is now in the bin, up from 29 per cent last week and well over the five-year (2016-2020) average of 22 per cent. An additional 30 per cent of the crop is now swathed or ready to straight-cut.
The southwest region continues to have the most progress in the province with 47 per cent of the crop now combined. The southeast region has 42 per cent combined, the west-central 36 per cent, the east-central 25 per cent, the northeast 34 per cent and the northwest 21 per cent.
Ninety-nine per cent of the winter wheat, 83 per cent of the fall rye, 85 per cent of the lentils, 84 per cent of the field peas, 57 per cent of the mustard, 40 per cent of the durum, 11 per cent of the chickpeas, 36 per cent of the spring wheat and 11 per cent of the canola has now been combined. An additional 19 per cent of the canola and 16 per cent of the mustard is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Many parts of the province experienced scattered rain showers this week, varying from trace amounts up to 77 mm in the Limerick area. The Macklin area received 51 mm, the Conquest area 40 mm, the Roblin area 35 mm, the Goodeve area 30 mm and the Rama area 28 mm.
Recent rains have helped green up pastures which might allow cattle producers to continue pasture grazing and save their winter feed stocks.
Topsoil moisture conditions continue to improve in most areas due to cooler temperatures and recent rains. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 40 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and 25 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 28 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 29 per cent very short.
Most crop damage this past week was due to heavy rain, hail, strong winds, insects and the long-lasting effects of the drought. The rain has caused downgrading of many crops still standing in fields; the biggest issues reported are bleaching, staining, sprouting, low kernel weights and fungal growth. Reported yields are far lower than average for many parts of the province with some areas reporting some fields that have yielded almost nothing.
Producers are busy hauling bales and water as well as combining and swathing between rain showers.
As of Sept. 1, the AgriRecovery program, now referred to as the 2021 Canada-Saskatchewan Drought Response Initiative, is accepting producer applications. The Initiative will consist of two payments totalling up to $200/head for cattle, with adjustments based on animal unit equivalents for other livestock. The initial payment will provide producers with $100 per breeding female equivalent in inventory as of Aug. 1, 2021. Secondary payments of up to $100 per breeding female in inventory as of Dec. 31, 2021, will be made to producers who have incurred additional costs to retain the animals. Producers with questions can call the initiative’s dedicated toll-free number at 1-844-723-1211 or directly email [email protected].
With harvest underway in Saskatchewan, we want to remind producers to exercise caution while working out in the field. Be aware, take breaks and remain safe.
The Farm Stress Line is also available for support 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442. Calls are answered by Mobile Crisis Services Regina, a non-profit, community-based agency and there is no call display.
