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THE BATTLEFORDS — Just like in East- and West-Central regions, harvest is 63 per cent complete in the Northwest. This is well ahead of the five-year average of 45 per cent and 10-year average of 38 per cent.

Harvest has wrapped up for fall cereal, mustard and lentil crops in the northwest. Nearly all peas have been harvested as 98 per cent have been combined. Spring wheat leads spring cereals in harvest progress with 78 per cent, with barley closely trailing at 74 per cent. Oats are making steady progress as 69 per cent of crops are off. Finally, 58 per cent of flax is in the bin while 36 per cent of canola has been harvested.

The area around North Battleford received the most rainfall in the northwest with 39 mm, followed by Maidstone area with 36 mm. Meadow Lake, Speers and Rabbit Lake all received 24 mm of precipitation. The rain improved topsoil moisture conditions from last week. Cropland topsoil moisture is now 45 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 17 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 36 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 16 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 31 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 22 per cent very short.

For northwest pastures,18 per cent are in good condition, 58 per cent are fair, 19 per cent are poor and five per cent are very poor. Pastures in this region would have benefited from the rain this past week, but producer are hoping for more rain this fall to replenish soil moisture and improve conditions for next year.

The main sources of crop damage this past week were from strong winds and waterfowl. Some producers have paused harvest due to wet conditions. Aside from harvest, producers in the Northwest are currently moving livestock and hauling bales.

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