OUTLOOK - Producers in the west-central region are ahead of the five-year average for harvest progress this week, according to the crop report for the period of August 8 to 15. Currently, harvest is nine per cent complete in the region, ahead of the five-year average of six per cent. Persistent dry and warm conditions have allowed crops to dry down and be harvest ready.
Producers are nearing the end of harvesting their fall cereals this week, with 95 per cent of winter wheat and 85 per cent of fall rye in the bin for the year.
Eleven per cent of barley has also been harvested for the year, with an additional four per cent harvested for feed. Thirty-nine per cent of field peas and thirty-three per cent lentils are also leading the region for harvest progress. Little harvest progress has been made in oilseeds.
Some scattered showers moved through the region this week. Kerrobert recorded the most rainfall, with 23 mm being reported. Topsoil moisture continues to be limited in the region. Nine per cent of crop land topsoil has adequate moisture, 51 per cent is short and 40 per cent is very short. Two per cent of hay and pasture land has adequate topsoil moisture, 38 per cent is short and 60 per cent is very short. Livestock producers are concerned about their water supply. The majority of producers are experiencing moderate water supply shortages, while others are facing severe shortages. Water quality is a concern for producers.
Crop damage this past week is due to drought stress and grasshopper damage. Producers are busy conducting yield estimates, sampling grain, combining, and working livestock.
