WINNIPEG — The harvest of crops in Saskatchewan was only two percent complete as of Aug. 25, which was down from the five-year average of six percent for this time of year due to rain seen in most areas of the province during the week.
At the same time in 2013, five percent of the crop had been combined, the latest crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture said.
Pre-harvest activities were also underway, with 12 percent of the crop swathed or ready to straight cut, which compares with last year and the five-year average, both at 14 percent.
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The southwestern part of the province has seen the most harvest activity, as seven percent of the crop there has been combined. Yields are reported as being average in most areas.
Fall rye crops were the furthest along in harvest, with 27 percent combined, followed by 13 percent of winter wheat, 12 percent of field peas and eight percent of lentils.
Canola crops were 22 percent swathed or ready to straight cut, with mustard at 14 percent swathed or ready to straight cut.
Rainfall across the province ranged from trace amounts to several inches, with some areas in the east-central region receiving up to 141 millimetres.
Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland was rated as 28 percent surplus, 71 percent adequate and one percent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture was 22 percent surplus, 75 percent adequate and three percent short.
Most of the damage seen during the week was linked to flooding, rain and strong winds. Grasshoppers, wheat midge and sclerotinia were also problematic.
Farmers were hoping for improved weather to resume harvesting operations going forward.
