Harvest is just getting underway in some parts of Saskatchewan with the swathing and combining of winter cereals, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report from August 3 to 9.
Harvest is furthest advanced in southern Saskatchewan, where just over one percent of the total crop has been harvested. Across the province, less than one percent of the total crop has been harvested. The five-year provincial average (2005 to 2009) for this time of year is five percent harvested.
When broken down by crop, three percent of the winter wheat, two percent of the fall rye and one percent of the peas have been combined.
Haying is continuing. Rain, high humidity and heavy dew continue to slow progress.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 15 percent surplus, 75 percent adequate and 10 percent short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as eight percent surplus, 76 percent adequate, 15 percent short and one percent very short.
The majority of crop damage is being caused by hail, disease and insects. Rain and hail storms moved through some areas of the province last week.
Farmers are busy haying, scouting fields, hauling grain, controlling insects and getting ready for harvest.
