Summary of crop conditions, week of Aug. 12 to Aug. 18.
Saskatchewan
North
Rain slowed harvesting operations last week. The moisture was good for pastures and late-seeded crops. Crop development remains ahead of average. One percent of the northern crop is combined: spring wheat, less than one percent; barley, two percent; canola, less than one percent; lentils, two percent; peas, seven percent. Quality is good but yield is below average. Drought, wind, rain and hail reported in some areas.
Central
Three percent of the crop has been harvested. Rain slowed operations over the past week. Progress as of Monday: spring wheat and oats both at one percent; barley, two percent; canola, three percent; lentils, 25 percent; peas, 30 percent; and mustard, three percent. Wheat stem sawfly causing trouble west of Kindersley. Frost reported in Watrous and Kindersley areas, but no damage estimate. Weather causing some crop damage. Wheat midge showing up in kernels after combining.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
South
Five percent of the southern crop is in the bin: spring wheat, two percent; durum, one percent; oats, four percent; barley, five percent; canola, six percent; lentils, 27 percent; peas, 42 percent; and mustard, 13 percent. Rain improved prospects for late-seeded crops. Hay yields well below average at one ton per acre, but decent quality. Many areas had only one hay cut. Wheat midge damage found in harvested kernels. Rain, wind, hail and drought damage reported.
Manitoba
Northwest/Interlake
Showers in the northwest region dropped 15 to 50 millimetres of rain over the weekend, with an average of 20 mm. Some overnight temperatures were near freezing but no damage was reported. Swathing and some combining have started throughout the region. Approximately five percent of the canola is swathed. Crops have matured quickly. Many crops will be ready for swathing or combining as soon as the weather clears.
West
Temperatures were average to below average throughout the week, with 10 – 40 mm of moisture in the southwest. Late seeded crops, hay land and pasture will benefit from the weekend rain. There were some freezing temperatures but no damage reported. Some lodging damage was done to crops, particularly green cereals. Swathing was in full swing throughout the past week. A large portion of the canola has been swathed, while the cereals have a good start.
Red River Valley
Cooler temperatures moved through the region last week, with rainfall accumulations ranging from three mm in the Altona area to 20 mm in Beausejour to 50 mm in the Portage and Gladstone areas. Swathing of cereals has started in almost all areas. Barley combining has begun with average to below average yields reported. About 25 percent of the canola has been swathed, except where crops are later maturing due to delayed seeding.
Alberta
Peace
Rain has continued to hamper haying and silage near Dawson Creek. Showers every two or three days have slowed crop maturity and reduced crop yield. Producers now are worried frost will hit the crops before they mature. The rain has also turned a potential good forage seed yield into a so-so yield. Fescue yields range from 150 to 800 pounds per acre. Several legume forage stands are light because excess water in the soil winter-killed the alfalfa. Harvest still a good two weeks away.
North/Central
Little has changed since last week. Crops are maturing faster than they should because of hot dry weather. The crop is turning white rather than a golden color as the heads begin to turn. A general rain across the province will have little impact on how the cereals fill. Swathing of canola has begun and will soon become general. Farmers are trying to put up a second cut of hay in between rains. Some crops harvested in east half of region because of dry weather. Expect low silage yields.
South
Rain across the dry south came too late to help the burning crops. In some areas it’s more rain than they’ve had all summer. Rain around Lethbridge slowed silage and harvest operations. Some crops were swathed so rain is not wanted at this time. Frost was reported around Vulcan and in the mountain region. Harvest will be in full swing as soon as the rains stop. Reports of Lygus bugs across the south.
Source: Provincial agriculture departments, Alberta Wheat Pool, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool
