Saskatchewan ag producers are getting equipment ready for harvest with about two per cent already started—hauling grain, cleaning bins, and monitoring crops for maturity. A few pulse fields are being desiccated with others close to ready.
The limited overall harvest activity comprises cereal fields being harvested for feed. Haying operations are progressing with many producers close to done.
For areas just east of Lloydminster like Glaslyn, Maidstone, and St. Walburg, dryland alfalfa yields are estimated to be 2.34 tons per acre with greenfeed estimated at 1.97 tons per acre and tame hay is estimated at 2.14 tons per acre. Silage yields are estimated to be 5.88 tons per acre within the region.
Rainfall varied throughout the region with many areas receiving rain in smaller amounts
over the period ending Aug. 5. The highest rainfall recorded fell in areas west of Prince Albert which reported 30 mm over the past week. The Maidstone area received 14 mm.
Topsoil moisture continues to be impacted by the persistent hot and dry conditions.
Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent adequate, 68 per cent short
and 13 per cent very short. The Lloydminster area reported about 5-10 mm in this period, but topsoil moisture is listed as short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 19 per cent adequate, 60 per cent short, and 21 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 68 per cent short, and 15 per cent very short.
The main cause of crop damage throughout the region continues to be due to the lack of
moisture and heat.
As canola continues to mature, producers are observing sclerotinia stem rot emerging in their fields along with aborted pod development due to the extreme heat encountered during flowering.
