PREECEVILLE - Harvest conditions were acceptable across the region until cool damp weather coming into the weekend slowed or halted producers, according to the crop report for the period of September 26 to October 2. The region has 90 per cent of their crop in the bin, which is ahead of the five-year average of 82 per cent. Most producers only have canola left to be harvested. Producers are predicting that harvest will be wrapped up in about a week to ten days as long as the weather holds out and no rainfall is received.
Precipitation in the region was mostly contained in the southern and western halves of the region, the Esterhazy area received a range of rainfall from 26 mm to 40 mm while other parts of the region only received four to 13 mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 42 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 17 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 22 per cent very short.
More frequent rainfall throughout the summer has resulted in Hard Red Spring Wheat grades to be reported as 57 per cent 1CW, 38 per cent 2CW, four per cent 3CW and one per cent 4CW/feed.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind, waterfowl and rain. Some of the crop is coming off tough and being placed into aeration bins or grain dryers. There were reports of hail but no damage assessment has been provided at this time.
Producers are busy combining, harrowing, hauling grain, hauling bales and applying post-harvest herbicides.
