Thunderstorms, rainfall continue to hamper harvest efforts, 12% complete

WATCH: According to the latest provincial crop report, 12 per cent of Saskatchewan’s total crop is in the bin, below average for this time of year.

A hot week across Saskatchewan in some regions aided harvest efforts – while widespread thunderstorms and rainfall continued to slow efforts in others.

Overall, harvest progress continues to lag behind the province’s five and 10-year averages with 12 per cent of crops off the field, according to the provincial crop report for Aug. 19 to Aug. 25.

The southwest region continues to lead efforts, with 23 per cent of crops in the bin. The southeast is the closest behind at 14 per cent. The east and west-central areas are reported as 11 per cent and six per cent.

The northwest and northeast lag far behind at three per cent and two per cent respectively.

According to the province, over half of winter cereals have been harvested – with winter wheat and fall rye at 70 and 66 per cent respectively.

The province reported a notable increase in pulse crops during the week – with 45 per cent of peas and 35 per cent of lentils now done. Spring cereals are being led by triticale at 42 per cent.

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Provincially, the quality of winter wheat is lower than the 10-year average of 54 per cent Canada Western (CW) – coming in at just 23 per cent. Fall rye is also in a similar situation with just 30 per cent being classified CW.

Thunderstorms brought in widespread rain – nowhere more abundant than the Nipawin area which saw 42 millimetres (mm). This was followed by North Battleford at 30 mm and Consul at 28 mm.

Despite rainfall totals, topsoil moisture levels fell slightly. Cropland moisture is currently at three per cent surplus and 77 per cent adequate. Hayland is also three per cent surplus and 66 per cent adequate. Finally, pastureland is at three per cent surplus and 60 per cent adequate.

As for crop damages, bertha armyworm in canola continues to pose an issue. However, according to the province, damages are fairly minor and not widespread as many of the infested fields have been sprayed.

Grasshoppers and wildlife were also the cause of damages in select pockets – while strong winds and hail caused issues in regions that saw thunderstorms. Lastly, high temperatures paired with dry conditions caused minor damage to later-seeded crops that have not reached maturity yet.