Crops advancing quickly, early harvest predicted for Sask.
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Harvest operations have started in some parts of southern Saskatchewan, and farmers in the northeast and northwest areas may be less than three weeks away from starting according to this week’s crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Recent warm and dry weather has allowed crops in the North Battleford and Prince Albert areas to rapidly advance and many producers expect to be in the field much earlier than normal. Most crops in these areas are in fair to excellent condition, although later-seeded crops need rain to help heads and pods fill. Reported yields so far range from average to well-below average, depending on field and moisture conditions.
Most areas of the province did not receive any rain last week, although the Arborfield area reported 22 mm and the Macklin area 20 mm. Farmers in the southern and central areas of the province remain very concerned about drought, many farmers have not received significant moisture for well over a month, and any future rainfall may be of limited benefit since most southern crops are quickly ripening.
The majority of crop damage this past week in the province was attributed to lack of moisture, strong winds and hot temperatures. There have been some reports of grasshoppers in the South. Haying is wrapping up for some livestock producers but yields remain significantly lower than normal.
