WEYBURN - Producers in the southeast are now 20 per cent complete harvest and are waiting for moisture conditions to improve after rain moved into the region. The southeast is ahead of the five-year average of 18 per cent, according to the crop report for the period of August 15 to 21.
The southeast is busy taking off their fall cereals and now has 50 per cent of winter wheat and 78 per cent of fall rye in the bin. Barley is also being combined, with 49 per cent of barley in the bin for the year. Field peas and lentils are leading the progress in pulses, with 61 per cent of peas and 37 per cent of lentils harvested. Mustard is ahead of the other oilseeds, with 34 per cent in the bin.
Scattered showers moved through the region this week, with Frobisher receiving 15 mm. Soil moisture continues to improve in the region, with 36 per cent of cropland having adequate moisture, 33 per cent short, and 31 per cent very short. Hay and pasture soil moisture is still limited, with 16 per cent being adequate, 44 per cent short, and 40 per cent very short.
The majority of pasture in the southeast is rated as being in poor condition (54 per cent), while some are holding on and are in fair condition (24 per cent). The majority of forage acres were able to be cut or baled this week.
Crop damage this past week is due to grasshoppers, gophers and drought. Producers are busy repairing machinery, desiccating crops and monitoring moisture levels. Producers are also hauling water and moving animals to other pastures.