Rain throughout much of Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba during the last week of September has idled combines in many parts of the Canadian prairies. Farmers will likely experience downgrades in some unharvested crops, especially wheat and barley.
More rain was in the forecast for much of Saskatchewan’s northern grain belt on Oct. 1-2.
Widespread generalized rains that began Sept. 25 in Saskatchewan dumped two or three millimeters on some fields and two or three centimeters on others.
In general, rainfall accumulations during the last week of September were heaviest in central, east central and northeastern parts of Saskatchewan, with amounts ranging from roughly 20 millimeters near Saskatoon, 30 mm at Wynyard and 50 mm in the Watrous area, about an hour southeast of Saskatoon.
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Areas further south, including Regina, Weyburn and Estevan received smaller amounts although some growers in those areas are still drying out after another system passed through on Sept. 18 causing dampness and delays.
In southern Manitoba, the outlook is similar.
According to Environment Canada, precipitation amounts in Manitoba during the last week of September ranged from 25 or 30 mm around Brandon, Dauphin, Portage and Winnipeg, up to 50 mm around Melita and nearly 60 mm around Swan River, in the province’s northwest.
According to the Manitoba’s most recent, weekly crop report issued Sept. 30; harvest in southwestern Manitoba was least advanced.
In some areas, especially south of Highway 1 around Boissevain, Harvest progress is well behind normal, with harvest in some areas around 50 percent complete.
Growers in parts of southwestern Manitoba made some progress last week but warm weather and drying winds are needed.
