Area farmers continue to combine despite some delays as the get closer to the end of the harvest season. Seed in the area is coming off dry in the region while some crops are needing to be aerated and dried due to small showers, dew and cool temperatures.
About 55 per cent of crops in the Lloydminster-Pierceland-Turtleford district have been combined as well as 75 per cent in the North Battleford-Shellbrook district.
In the northwest region, 99 per cent of field peas, 90 per cent of barley, 68 per cent of spring wheat, 53 per cent of oats and 52 per cent of canola has been combined. A total of 66 per cent of crop has been combined which is up from 43 per cent last week. It is also ahead of the five-year average of 46 per cent. Another 26 per cent of crop is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Across Saskatchewan, 89 per cent of crop has been combined, up from 77 per cent last week and ahead of the five-year average of 67 per cent for this time of year. Another nine per cent of crop is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Little rainfall was recorded in the northwest region from September 22 to 28. The highest amount of rain fell of five mm fell in the Duck Lake area. The minimal precipitation and windy conditions have caused a reduction in topsoil moisture conditions.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 53 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 54 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and 14 per cent very short.
The majority of crop damage was due to wind, lack of moisture, wildlife and frost. Wind has been blowing swaths around, but has also helped dry crops in the field.
Farmers noted fields with an excessive amount of moisture in the growing season are showing a reduction in yields. Farmers will be continue combining, drying grain and moving bales.
