WEYBURN - Harvest progress was slowed this week due to rain and heavy dew mornings, according to the crop report for the period of September 26 to October 2. Producers in the region have 93 per cent of their crop in the bin, this is right in line with the five-year average. Producers are hoping that the weather begins to dry up and allow them to finish harvest without any more delays due to moisture, as it could result in lower grain quality.
There was a wide range precipitation received in the region this week with the Broadview area receiving the most at 45 mm while areas like Stoughton only received five mm. Producers are happy to see the rain and would like more to come before freeze up.
Hard Red Spring Wheat was graded as 56 per cent 1CW, 33 per cent 2CW and 11 per cent 3CW. Most of the downgrading was due to bleaching or disease related issues.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 29 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 29 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 29 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 28 per cent very short.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to strong winds, wildlife and hail. Wind has continued to blow around swaths and damage seed heads resulting in lost yield. The recent rain has also led to grain sprouting in both swathed and standing cereal crops, especially barley. A hail storm passed through Crop District 1B resulted in severe damage with some producers seeing 100 per cent loss of their remaining crop.
Producers are busy harvesting, starting fall field work such as weed control, harrowing, hauling bales, cleaning corrals and moving cattle to stubble fields.
