ASSINIBOIA - With only a few acres left standing, the southwest is beginning to wind down their harvest operations, according to the crop report for the period of September 12 to 18. The southwest is now 97 per cent complete, ahead of the five-year average of 86 per cent.
Both fall and spring cereals are completely harvested in the southwest, as well as mustard, peas and lentils. Flax is the least harvested crop, with 41 per cent in the bin. Canaryseed and chickpeas are both 94 per cent harvested for the year. Canola is very near completion, with 96 per cent of the crop harvested for the year.
Very little rain was seen in the southwest this week. Two mm was the most reported, received in the Vanguard region. Topsoil moisture is very limited in the region; 50 per cent of cropland and hay and pastures is short and 50 per cent is very short.
Pastures have taken the brunt of the heat and dry conditions this year. Eighteen per cent of pastures in the southwest are in fair condition, 40 per cent are in poor condition and 42 per cent are in very poor condition.
Crop damage this past week continues to be due to drought and grasshoppers. Many producers are working their fields for the fall and preparing for winter. Producers are also hauling feed, bales and water for animals and some are marketing cattle. Producers across the region are hoping for wet snow this fall, an abundance of snow this winter and significant amounts of rain before the next crop. Without it, many fear what next summer has in store for their operations.
