SOUTHEAST SASK. — Farmers in the southeast are progressing with harvest, which is going well so far, according to the information provided by Eileen Beaton, the crop extensions specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The crop report from the week of Aug. 6-12 showed that harvest is 11 per cent complete in the southeast region. Beaton noted that crops are maturing quickly with hot temperatures and limited rainfall. There have only been a few scattered showers throughout the region during this time.
"Crop damage has mainly been due to a lack of moisture and heat. There has also been wind, sclerotinia [disease] and grasshopper damage," Beaton said.
Reports from the Redvers area show that yields from early-seeded crops have been above average and are predicted to be higher than late-seeded crops, as they received more moisture earlier in the season, Beaton noted. As for canola, the long stretch of heat the area received will impact yields throughout the region, but yields and quality are expected to be average or above. Yields and quality of pulses and grains are expected to be above average.
In the Stoughton area, the lentil harvest has started and yields are above average so far, while durum and canola yields are expected to be average.
The southern region farmers are facing some harder times combining pulses, as reports show that peas near the border are lying flat due to hail impacting yields and quality.
Pea yields near Estevan have been above average with hail causing minor damage to some fields, Beaton noted.
In the Weyburn area, crop yields in and around the city of Weyburn are being impacted by drier conditions compared to other areas. Also, farmers in the area reported hail damage as well as heat burn to flax. Canola yields are expected to be average, while durum yields have been below average.
Dry conditions persisted into last week. And the situation with pastureland in the southeast is more alarming, as most pastures in the area could use more rain. Pasture topsoil moisture is 21 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 39 per cent very short, as of mid-August.
Beaton also reminded the public that harvest is a busy time, and asked those living in the farming regions to prioritize safety.
The Farm Stress Line is a toll-free number that producers can use to help manage their stress during harvest, which can be reached at 1-800-667-4442, Beaton said.
The public also should be aware that there is more heavy equipment traffic on roads these days, and to be patient by giving machinery extra time and space.
