Forty per cent of the 2015 crop is now in the bin and an additional 33 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly crop report for the period ending September 7. The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 25 per cent combined.
Regionally, producers in the southwest are furthest advanced, having 61 per cent of the crop combined. Producers in the southeast have 59 per cent combined. Thirty-three per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region; 22 per cent in both the east-central and northwestern regions, and 20 per cent in the northeast.
Heavy rain over the week-end has delayed producers in many parts of the province. Warm and dry weather will be needed to help fields dry. Rainfall ranged from small amounts to over four inches in some southeastern areas.
Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 16 per cent surplus, 76 per cent ad-equate, seven per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as six per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Strong winds and heavy rain have lodged some crops and quality is a concern in areas. Yields vary greatly across the province, but overall are estimated to be close to average. Winter cereals are being seeded as time allows.
The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products. It is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForage-Listing.
