Harvest half done in Sask. despite rain delays

Harvest is more than half done in Saskatchewan despite extra moisture in the fields.

The latest crop report shows 52 per cent of the 2015 crop is combined and 30 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut. The five-year average for this time of year is 42 per cent combined with 33 per cent swathed.

Some areas of the southwest and northeast received more than an inch of rain in the past week. Topsoil moisture conditions on croplands are reported as 11 per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, six per cent short and one per cent very short. The crop report indicates that warm, dry weather is needed before many producers can return to the field.

Frost has hit some areas of the province, but damage is minimal; crops were mature in most cases. Of the crops already in the bin, 86 per cent of field peas, 76 per cent of lentils, and 70 per cent of durum are estimated to be in the top two quality grades.

Bleaching and sprouting remain a concern in some areas.