Harvest is officially underway in Saskatchewan.

The provincial crop report has harvest at 2 per cent complete, in line with the five and ten year averages. The southwest is leading the way at four per cent done, followed by the southeast and east-central regions at one per cent. Producers in other regions are getting equipment ready for harvest, cleaning out grain bins, and hauling grain.

Crops Extension Specialist Meghan Rosso says winter cereal and pulse crops are the focus right now with 15 per cent of fall rye harvested followed by winter wheat at 12 per cent, nine per cent of field peas have been harvested and eight per cent of lentils have been combined.

Many producers are wrapping up their haying and silage operations and the crop report mentioned yields. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.13 tonnes per acre, while greenfeed is estimated to be 2.63 tonnes per acre. Irrigated alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.79 tonnes per acre, with greenfeed yield estimated at 3.34 tonnes per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.67 tonnes per acre provincially.

The heatwave lasted up until the August long weekend, allowing crops to develop rapidly at the expense of yield potential and a decline in topsoil moisture conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at 29 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and 18 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 27 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 22 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 20 per cent adequate, 50 per cent short and 30 per cent very short.

Producers say any rainfall would be more beneficial for later seeded crops than those planted earlier. There was a bit more rainfall recorded; the Christopher Lake area had the most at 42 mm, followed by the Foam Lake area at 36 mm, the Marengo area 32, and the Prince Albert area 30 mm.

Rosso says the lack of moisture combined with the heat was the main source of crop damage, along with wind, aphids and grasshoppers. Producers are noticing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields, as canola continues to mature.

Farmers are reminded to take safety precautions and fire prevention measures with everything they do, and the public is reminded to give machinery extra room on the road when traveling. The Farm Stress Line is available toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

A mini-crop report for each growing region can be found below.

Southeast

As producers continue to get harvest equipment ready and desiccate pulse crops within the region, some harvesting has started. The region currently sits at one per cent of harvest complete for the year

Producers have been making progress harvesting winter cereals and pulse crops within the region. Currently, 23 per cent of the fall rye crop has been harvested, along with six per cent of the winter wheat crop. Fifteen per cent of field peas have been harvested within the region, followed by 10 per cent harvested for both lentils and chickpeas. Five per cent of the barley crop has been harvested as feed. A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the attached harvest progress table.

Producers are finishing their haying operations in the region with no second cut potential this year due to the lack of rainfall. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.46 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 2.31 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 1.62 tons per acre. Irrigated alfalfa is estimated to be 2.50 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 6.88 tons per acre within the region.

Rain was variable across the region over the past week with most areas receiving little to no rainfall. The highest rainfall recorded over the past week fell in the Balcarres area at 20 mm followed by the Esterhazy area at 12 mm and the Ituna area at 10 mm. Although rainfall would be too late for advanced crops, producers within the region would welcome rain to help with grain fill and bushel weight on later seeded crops.

With the persistent dry and hot conditions, topsoil moisture continues to decline. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 26 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and 21 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 25 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short and 20 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 20 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short and 23 per cent very short.

The lack of moisture and heat continues to be the main causes of crop damage throughout the region. Wind, aphids, gophers and grasshoppers also caused crop damage over the past week with overall minor damage reported. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields along with aborted pod development due to the extreme heat encountered during flowering.

Southwest

As crops continue to rapidly mature within the region, many producers are desiccating pulse crops and beginning their harvest operations. The region currently sits at four per cent of harvest complete for the year.

Producers have been making progress harvesting winter cereals, pulse crops and cereals that are mainly being used as feed within the region. Currently, 49 per cent of the fall rye crop has been harvested. Twenty-three per cent of field peas have been harvested within the region, followed by 10 per cent harvested for lentils. Thirty-five per cent of triticale has been harvested for feed, followed by seven per cent of oats harvested for feed and three per cent of barley harvested for feed. A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the attached harvest progress table.

Producers are finishing their haying operations in the region with no potential for a second cut harvest. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 1.37 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 2.64 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 1.35 tons per acre. Irrigated alfalfa is estimated to be 3.20 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 6.10 tons per acre within the region.

The majority of the region received little to trace amounts of precipitation over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Marquis area at 24 mm followed by the Webb area at 9 mm. The Shaunavon, Kyle and Cabri areas received 5 mm over the past week.

Topsoil moisture continues to decline with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 17 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 40 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at five per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 52 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is seven per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 50 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for moisture following harvest to help with replenishing topsoil moisture conditions.

The lack of moisture and heat continues to be the main causes of crop damage throughout the region. Wind and grasshoppers caused up to severe damage in some areas throughout the region. Aphids and gophers accounted for minor to moderate damage over the past week. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields along with aborted pod development due to the extreme heat encountered during flowering.

East-Central

As producers continue to get harvest equipment ready, some pulse crops are just starting to be desiccated within the region. Currently, the region sits at one per cent of harvest complete for the year.

Producers have been making progress harvesting mainly winter cereals. Currently, 25 per cent of the fall rye has been harvested along with two per cent of the winter wheat. An additional seven per cent of the fall rye has been harvested for feed along with an additional two per cent of winter wheat harvested for feed. A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the attached harvest progress table.

Haying operations are progressing in the region with some producers wrapping up. No second cut is anticipated. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.02 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 3.33 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 1.73 tons per acre. Irrigated alfalfa is estimated to be 3.14 tons per acre and irrigated greenfeed is estimated to be 4.40 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.28 tons per acre within the region.

Rain was variable across the region over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Foam Lake area at 36 mm with other surrounding areas reporting 11 to 20 mm over the past week. The Leroy, Manitou Beach and Wroxton areas received 10 mm. Many producers within the region would welcome rain to help with grain fill and bushel weight on later seeded crops.

Topsoil moisture continues to decrease with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 42 per cent adequate, 50 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 48 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 38 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 19 per cent very short.

The lack of moisture and heat continue to be the main causes of crop damage throughout the region. Wind, gophers, aphids and grasshoppers continued to cause crop damage over the past week with minor to moderate damage reported. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields.

West-Central

As producers continue to get harvest equipment ready, pulse crops are starting to be desiccated within the region. Harvest activity has started in some areas with more producers watching their fields and anticipating harvest starting shortly.

Within the region, producers have just started to harvest winter cereals, mustard, pulses and canary seed. Currently 25 per cent of winter wheat has been harvested followed by eight per cent of fall rye. Six per cent of lentils and field peas are reported as harvested within the region. A full summary of individual crop harvest progress for all regions can be viewed in the attached harvest progress table.

Haying operations are progressing in the region with some producers wrapping up. No second cut is anticipated this year due to the lack of rainfall. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 1.92 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 2.42 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 1.33 tons per acre. Irrigated alfalfa is estimated to be 1.75 tons per acre and irrigated greenfeed is estimated to be 2.25 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.71 tons per acre within the region.

Rain was variable across the region over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Marengo area at 32 mm. The Neilburg area received 12 mm and the Macklin and Sonningdale areas received 10 mm. Although any moisture received would be too late for advanced crops, many producers within the region would welcome rain to help with grain fill and bushel weight on later seeded crops.

Topsoil moisture continues to decline with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 26 per cent adequate, 69 per cent short and five per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 28 per cent adequate, 59 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 26 per cent adequate, 60 per cent short and 14 per cent very short.

The main cause of crop damage throughout the region continues to be due heat and the lack of moisture. Wind and aphids caused up to moderate damage in some areas throughout the region. Grasshoppers and gophers accounted for minor damage over the past week. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields.

Northeast

Producers continue to get harvest equipment ready, haul grain, clean bins and monitor their crops. Limited overall harvest activity is reported for the region other than a few producers beginning to harvest winter wheat in some areas.

Haying operations are progressing in the region with some producers wrapping up. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 1.77 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 2.15 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 2.77 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 4.18 tons per acre within the region.

Rain was variable across the region over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Christopher Lake area at 42 mm. The Duck Lake area received 22 mm and the Choiceland area received 18 mm. Many producers within the region would welcome rain to help with grain fill and bushel weight on later seeded crops.

Topsoil moisture continues to decrease with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 41 per cent adequate, 52 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 38 per cent adequate, 59 per cent short and three per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 36 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.

The lack of moisture and heat continues to be the main cause of crop damage throughout the region. Wind has caused crop lodging with some producers reporting up to severe damage in areas. Aphids accounted for minor to moderate crop damage over the past week and grasshoppers caused minor damage in areas throughout the region. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields along with aborted pod development due to the extreme heat encountered during flowering.

Northwest

Producers continue to get harvest equipment ready, haul grain, clean bins and monitor their crops for maturity. A few pulse fields are being desiccated with others close to ready. Limited overall harvest activity is reported for the region other than the odd cereal field that was harvested for feed.

Haying operations are progressing in the region with many producers close to done. Dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.34 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 1.97 tons per acre and tame hay estimated at 2.14 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.88 tons per acre within the region.

Rainfall varied throughout the region with many areas receiving rain in smaller amounts over the past week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the area west of Prince Albert which reported 30 mm over the past week. The Maidstone area received 14 mm followed by the Barthel area which received 11 mm.

Topsoil moisture continues to be impacted by the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent adequate, 68 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 19 per cent adequate, 60 per cent short and 21 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 68 per cent short and 15 per cent very short.

The main cause of crop damage throughout the region continues to be due to the lack of moisture and heat. Wind and aphids caused up to moderate damage in some areas throughout the region. Hail was also reported over the past week with minor crop damage indicated. As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields along with aborted pod development due to the extreme heat encountered during flowering.