NORTH BATTLEFORD - Combines and swathers are rolling across many fields in the region after a hot, dry week has enabled crops to finally dry down enough to warrant harvest. Producers have made great progress as they now have 28 per cent of the crop in the bin, up from six per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year average of 15 per cent.
The majority of progress is in the southern half of the region due to drier conditions. Overall, the yield estimates for the region are average or better, timely rains earlier in the season and throughout July and August allowed for good seed filling.
No rain was reported for the region this past week. Cropland topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 44 per cent adequate, 50 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 41 per cent adequate, 54 per cent short and five per cent very short.
Crops are coming off tough or damp and many are being placed into aeration bins and dryers. Most crop damage this past week was due to strong winds that have blown swaths around and shelled out some standing crops.
Producers are busy combining, swathing and moving cattle and bales.
