Harvesting in the Lloydminster region is falling behind the five-year average as limited progress was made this past week.
Three per cent of crop in the north west region is now combined which is behind the average of seven per cent for this time of year. While much of the canola crop has been swathed and other crops being desiccated, warmer weather is needed to help crops mature and fields to dry up.
Crops in the region remain in good condition and yields are expected to be average. Some crop is being placed in aeration bins and dryers. Forty-five per cent of lentils, 29 per cent of field peas, seven per cent of barley and one per cent of spring wheat have been combined. Thirteen per cent of flax and six per cent of oats are ready to combine.
Forty-two per cent of canola is swathed and 58 per cent are standing. One hundred per cent of soybeans in the north west region are standing.
Provincially, 28 per cent of crops are in the bin which is ahead of the five-year average of 22. An additional 27 per cent of crop is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Rainfall in the region ranged from 18 millimetres in the Neilburg are to six in the North Battleford, St. Walburg areas and three in the Turtleford area. The St. Walburg area continues to have the most precipitation in the province with 479 millimetres since April 1st.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, three per cent short and 14 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 62 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short and 17 per cent very short.
Most damage came from strong winds which have blown swaths around and shelled out standing crops. Light frost has also been reported in some areas but damage has been minimal.
Farmers will be combining, swathing, desiccating and hauling bales.