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ASSINIBOIA — Harvest is complete in the southwest, except for a few minor acres left to harvest. Harvest progress is at 99 per cent, which is above the 93 per cent five-year average and 90 per cent 10-year average. Since most producers are done harvest, they are now working on post-harvest tasks such as putting away harvest equipment, hauling bales, spraying and harrowing.

All crops are completely off except for a few spring wheat, durum, barley, flax, canola and chickpea fields. Ninety-nine per cent of barley crops have been harvested, while 98 per cent of spring wheat and durum crops are off. Canola and chickpea crops follow closely as 97 per cent of these crops are in the bin. Finally, flax still has the most acres of crop in the field as harvest progress for flax is at 89 per cent.

Contrary to two weeks ago where much of the southwest got lots of precipitation, only trace amounts were received in a few areas and conditions have been dry during this period. The most rainfall reported was around Tugaske and Abound, which each got two mm. The lack of rain decreased topsoil moisture from last week and topsoil conditions here are the driest in the province. Cropland topsoil moisture is now 41 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 11 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 27 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 33 per cent very short. Topsoil moisture in pastures is 28 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 35 per cent very short.

In addition to having some of the driest topsoil moisture, the southwest also has the lowest estimated yields for some crops in the province as crops in this region were greatly affected by limited moisture and hot conditions during the growing season. For spring-seeded cereals, estimated yield for hard red spring wheat is 28 bushels per acre, 26 bushels per acre for durum and 46 bushels per acre for barley. Canola yield for the region is estimated to be 23 bushels per acre on average. Pulse yields are also below the provincial average as estimated yields for field peas are 27 bushels per acre and 1039 pounds per acre for lentil crops.

Hard red spring wheat quality in the southwest is below the provincial average. Average grade for the region is 42 per cent 1CW, 23 per cent 2CW, 19 per cent 3CW and 16 per cent CW feed.

Not much crop damage was reported this week as most of the crops have been harvested. The only crop damage in the area was strong winds blowing swaths around. Now that harvest has largely wrapped up, producers are hoping for lots of rain until freeze up to increase topsoil moisture conditions for next year.

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