Harvest ahead of schedule in Sask.; moisture levels remain low

Harvest in Saskatchewan is ahead of its normal pace for this time of year.

According to the weekly crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, seven per cent of the crop has been combined and six per cent is ready to straight combine.

The five-year averages for this time of year are one per cent combined and two per cent ready to straight combine.

So far, 54 per cent of winter wheat, 51 per cent of fall rye, 37 per cent of field peas and 29 per cent of lentils are in the bin in Saskatchewan.

Producers in the southwest area of the province are leading the way with 12 per cent of their crops combined, with eight per cent combined in the southeast and seven per cent in the west-central region. Only around one per cent of the crop is combined in northern areas.

Despite the progress of harvest, Saskatchewan continues to face a significant drought. There was some rain around the province during the week, but topsoil moisture levels remain low.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and 62 per cent very short, while hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and 67 per cent very short.

In addition to the dry conditions, crops were damaged during the week by heat, wind, wildlife, grasshoppers and flea beetles. There also were reports of hail in some areas as well.