Sask. crops look large; harvest progress behind average

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Published: August 29, 2013

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Harvest has begun across Saskatchewan.

The last few weeks of hot, dry weather has been good news for crop development and alleviated frost concerns. All areas are reporting that harvest is underway.

As of Aug. 26, five percent of the crop had been combined and 14 percent had been swathed or was ready to straight cut.

This is behind the five-year average of 15 percent combined and 22 percent ready. However, crop reporters say above average yields are coming off in most areas.

Farmers in the southwest are furthest ahead at 14 percent harvest completion.

Province-wide, 34 percent of peas, 20 percent of lentils, 27 percent of winter wheat and 10 percent of mustard have been harvested and 26 percent of canola has been swathed.

Spring cereals are maturing well and some swathing has begun.

Grasshoppers and bertha armyworms are causing crop damage.

Rain was not a significant factor in most areas over the past week, although some areas received up to 31 millimetres.

About the author

Karen Briere

Karen Briere

Karen Briere grew up in Canora, Sask. where her family had a grain and cattle operation. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Regina and has spent more than 30 years covering agriculture from the Western Producer’s Regina bureau.

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