Dry weather allow harvest progress, lack of rain poses fire risk

The province’s crop report said producers were able to make significant harvest progress over the past week, but some faced bumps along the way.

Frost, wind and dry conditions contributed to crop damage over the past week. Grasshoppers were also reported for causing some minor to moderate crop damage in some areas.

Producers are also closely watching stored grain, as there are concerns for bin heating due to high temperatures during the time of combining.

Read more:

• Federal biofuel incentive not a permanent fix for trade tariffs
• Sask. farmer sizes up growing season as combines hit the fields
• Dry conditions push harvest ahead, with 23 per cent of crops in the bin

Mostly dry weather has allowed producers to combine 41 per cent of this year’s crop, but combine and equipment fires pose a significant risk, despite some areas receiving rain.

Many areas need more rainfall to help replenish declining topsoil and subsoil moisture levels and to improve pasture conditions.

Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 58 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and seven per cent very short.

Hayland is rated as two per cent surplus, 48 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 14 per cent very short.

Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 45 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and 18 per cent very short.

Harvest is up from 23 per cent reported last week, which is behind the five-year average of 58 per cent and the 10-year average of 49 per cent.

The southwest region is the most ahead in harvest progress, with 55 per cent complete, while the southeast region is at the halfway point.

The northwest region currently has 41 per cent harvested, while the east-central region has 31 per cent harvested.

The west-central and northeast regions are both at 27 per cent harvested.

Harvest looking good for one Sask. farmer

Combines and grain trucks are rolling and farmers are busy in the fields as harvest gets underway in Saskatchewan.

Brian Andrew farms outside of Craven. During an appearance on the Greg Morgan Morning Show, he said the recent stretch of warm weather has really allowed him to get busy with harvest, although the recent heat comes after a cool summer, which caused some crops to be a bit delayed.

Listen to the full interview with Brian Andrews, or read the transcript below:

The following questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.

“In terms of yield, I think we’re above average,” Andrew said.

“Market prices are down a little, so that’s softening our bottom line a little bit, but all in all it’s been a pretty good year. I think we’re headed for a decent year.”

Andrew said his friends and neighbours are telling a similar story as harvest gets going.

“I think it’s decent yields,” he said. “A little bit delayed, but pretty normal, all in all.”

Currently, Andrew said he’s busy harvesting red spring wheat, noting the quality is very good and the yield is above average.

While there is rain in the forecast for the weekend, Andrew said he won’t worry about it until it happens.

“We’ll do as much as we can until it shuts us down,” he said. “But I only worry about the weather when my head’s wet.’

Andrew said the simple fact that he loves his job keeps him motivated during the long days out in the fields.

“It’s a fun job when it’s going well, and there are always challenges,” he said. “But I’m sure everyone faces challenges in their job, so I enjoy the work.”

— with files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink