Harvest progress remains steady for areas east and west of Lloydminster up to Sep. 22. Overall Saskatchewan is at 68 per cent, and sitting behind the five-year average of 83 per cent. For Alberta, harvest is 59 per cent complete, which is above the five-year average of 35 per cent.
East of Lloydminster
On the Saskatchewan side for areas like Glaslyn, Maidstone and St. Walburg, humid mornings and some rain caused slow progress in this region. Farmers are struggling with second growth due to late rain; this is causing poor dry down conditions. There are many reports of livestock producers having to haul water in this region.
With the dry conditions and poor crop growth, harvest is further along in this region and is now 69 per cent complete. Harvest is complete in this region for field peas and canary seed. Lentils are close at 96 per cent complete. Cereals are currently being harvested, with fall rye at 90 per cent combined, spring wheat at 87 per cent, oats at 73 per cent and barley at 88 per cent. Canola harvest is 45 per cent complete and flax is 30 per cent complete.
Topsoil moisture conditions continue to be low in this area and have dropped. Currently, topsoil moisture is 34 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 23 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 45 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 44 per cent very short.
Pasture conditions have experienced a significant decline in this region due to low rainfall all year. Conditions are now sitting at 12 per cent good, 29 per cent fair, 31 per cent poor and 28 per cent very poor.
Crop damage this past week is mainly due to light frost, dry conditions and heat. There is also a slight increase in waterfowl and wildlife damage in the region.
West of Lloydminster
Farmers in the County of Vermilion River and surrounding communities are reporting strong harvest progress, with many ahead of the five-year average. Dry weather has allowed combines to roll steadily, especially in Wainwright, Marwayne, Kitscoty, and Paradise Valley.
The region which is included in northeast Alberta is approximately 56 per cent harvested, with early-seeded crops like barley, wheat, and peas nearing completion.
Canola and oats are currently being tackled, with canola showing 91 per cent rated No. 1 grade, despite earlier concerns about heat stress and hail damage.
Harvest progress:
- Spring wheat: 52.5 per cent
- Barley: 51.2 per cent
- Oats: 64.8 per cent
- Canola: 71.6 per cent
- Dry peas: 100 per cent
Crop Quality:
Dry conditions have supported harvest progress but reduced soil moisture reserves, leading to moisture stress in crops and pastures. Canola swathing is progressing, with 33 per cent swathed provincially.
Soil Moisture at surface:
Poor: 38 per cent
Fair: 48 per cent
Good: 14 per cent
Excellent: 0 per cent
Pasture & Hay Conditions:
Pasture: 44 per cent poor, 43 per cent fair, 14 per cent good, 0 per cent excellent
Tame hay: 44 per cent poor, 48 per cent fair, 10 per cent good, 0 per cent excellent
Crop Damage:
Damage this week is primarily due to heat stress, dry conditions, and poor regrowth in hay and pasture fields. Wildlife and waterfowl activity has increased slightly, contributing to localized crop damage.
