Harvest off to slow start in Saskatchewan

Harvest in Saskatchewan is well behind last year’s pace.

In its weekly crop report, the Ministry of Agriculture said one per cent of the crop has been harvested, down from seven per cent at the same time last year. The ministry said that illustrates “just how different the growing conditions have been in the province between this year and last.”

However, the five-year average for this time of year is two per cent of crops in the bin.

The report said much of the harvest done so far in 2022 has been in the southwest and west-central regions.

“The past week saw very sporadic weather systems move through Saskatchewan with some regions having hot dry days while others experienced cool rainy days that have further delayed crop development,” the report said.

“Producers in the latter areas would like to see some hot dry weather to help crops mature and allow for harvest to begin.”

A lack of rain in many areas has depleted topsoil moisture in Saskatchewan.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and 15 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is considered two per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and 20 per cent very short.

The ministry said haying operations have been hindered by rain or by rain blowing away swathed hay. Hay yields look to be average or above average in the east and north regions and below average in the southwest and west central regions.

Wind, heavy rains, hail, drought stress, heat, wildlife and grasshoppers did damage to crops during the week. The ministry also said a light frost was reported in some areas of the northwest.

“No crop damage was reported but producers are conscious of what an early season frost would do to their crop,” the report said.