Harvest is steadily progressing in the southeast region of the province, according to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture. 

The region, which includes the Moose Jaw area, has 66 per cent of harvest completed, which is ahead of the five-year average of 64 per cent. 

“Eighty-two per cent of spring wheat, 79 per cent of durum, 84 per cent of barley and 0 per cent of oats are harvested for the year. Producers have now turned their focus to oil seeds. Canola’s 41 per cent and mustard is 70 per cent harvested. Flax is still standing with 18 per cent of the crop in the bin for the year and 33 per cent of soybeans have been harvested,” said crops extension specialist Mackenzie Hladun. 

Provincially, 68 per cent of crops are in the bin. It is ahead of the five-year average of 52 per cent and the 10-year average of 48 per cent. 

The Ministry of Agriculture also asked producers to report the quality of peas, lentils and durum that they have been seeing at the elevators and out in the fields. 

“Our producers are currently seeing 27 per cent of peas being graded at one CAN and 72 per cent being graded at two CAN. Lentils are currently being graded at one CAN at 45 per cent and two CAN at 48 per cent. Durum quality is still very strong with 37 per cent of the crop being graded at one CW and 45 per cent graded at two CW,” Hladun said. 

Producers in southern Saskatchewan are still battling drought conditions and grasshoppers when it comes to crop damage. The northern part of the province did report some light frost. 

Farmers are reminded to take safety precautions during this busy and stressful time. This includes having water or fire extinguishers ready and taking precautions when moving equipment around powerlines. The Farm Stress Line is also available toll-free at 1-800-667-4442. 

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