BATTLEFORDS - A dry week meant rapid harvest progress in the northwest region, according to the crop report for the period of September 12 to 18. Producers in the northwest have been busy combining this week and are now 75 per cent harvested for the year. This is ahead of the five-year average of 45 per cent.
Producers are completing their spring seeded cereals this week and turning their attention to their oilseeds. Barley is 85 per cent complete, spring wheat is 83 per cent and oats are 80 per cent complete. Sixty-four per cent of canola is in the bin for the year, while producers are waiting for flax to dry-down and have not yet started combining. Fall cereals, field peas and lentils are harvested for the year.
The St. Walburg area received the most rain this week, recording just three mm. Topsoil moisture is beginning to be limited, with 37 per cent of cropland having adequate moisture, 55 per cent is short and eight per cent is very short. Thirty-five per cent of hay and pastures have adequate moisture, 52 per cent are short and 13 per cent are very short.
Pastures are experiencing the effects of a dry summer. Thirteen per cent of pastures are in good condition, 46 per cent are in fair condition, 19 per cent are in poor condition and three per cent are in very poor condition.
Crop damage this past week is due to light frosts, waterfowl and wind. Producers are busy combining and working their fields for the fall. Producers are also hauling feed and bales, marketing cattle and preparing for winter.
