The provincial harvest was virtually complete at 99 per cent, said Saskatchewan’s weekly crop report released on Oct. 30. This year’s crops were harvested later than usual due to rainfall throughout the growing season and uneven crop staging. Cool July temperatures slowed development, but crop staging evened out and prevented harvest delays. Pests like bertha armyworm, cabbage seedpod weevil and Richardsons ground squirrel also posed challenges in some regions.

All crop types in Saskatchewan yielded higher than their 10-year averages. Winter wheat crops yielded 44.1 bushels per acre and fall rye yielded 52.6 bu./ac. For spring cereal crops, oats had the biggest yield at 94.4 bu./ac., followed by barley at 70. Hard spring wheat was 51.5 bu./ac. and other spring wheat was 55.5. Durum yielded 39.4 bu./ac. and triticale yielded 25.3. Canary seed saw 1,354 pounds per acre, while field peas were at 40.8 bu./ac, lentils at 1,785.5 lbs./ac. and chickpeas yielded 1,716.2 lbs./ac. Oilseed crops were the last to come off, yielding 42.4 bu./ac. for canola, 39.6 for soybeans, 26.6 for flax and 880.1 lbs./ac. for mustard.

As of Oct. 20, mustard was 99 per cent combined, followed by 98 per cent for canola, 94 per cent for flax, 91 per cent for chickpeas and 87 per cent for soybeans.

Related: Large wheat supply pressures prices

Most crops graded in the top two quality categories, but some downgrading was reported due to dry conditions, pest activity and late-season rain. Canola quality was higher than the 10-year average as crops graded 86 per cent 1 Canada, 13 per cent 2 CAN and one per cent 3 CAN. For pulses, field peas graded 41 per cent 1 CAN, 52 per cent 2 CAN and seven per cent 3 CAN, while lentils graded 22 per cent 1 CAN, 59 per cent 2 CAN, 17 per cent 3 CAN and two per cent Sample.

Spring wheat was rated as 63 per cent 1 Canada Western, 29 per cent 2 CW, six per cent 3 CW and two per cent CW Feed, while barley was rated as 27 per cent malt, 60 per cent 1 CW and 13 per cent 2 CW and Sample.

Average silage yields in the province this year were 5.82 tons per acre, which is lower than the 6.37 tons/ac. reported last year. Provincially, dryland hay yields were 1.39 tons/ac. for alfalfa, 1.32 for brome hay, 1.19 for tame hay, 1.33 for baled forage and 2.14 for greenfeed. The first cut hay crop was rated as 11 per cent excellent, 63 per cent good, 22 per cent fair and four per cent poor. Producers who were able to do a second hay cut reported that 24 per cent was excellent, 47 per cent was good, 19 per cent was fair and 10 per cent was poor quality.

Cropland topsoil moisture was rated at four per cent surplus, 55 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and eight per cent very short. For hayland areas, topsoil moisture was three per cent surplus, 51 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. For pastures, topsoil moisture was two per cent surplus, 38 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 15 per cent very short. Significant rainfall and snow are needed in the coming months to replenish soil moisture levels for next spring, especially in western regions.

Most pastures reflect the soil moisture ratings quite closely. Provincially, three per cent of pastures were in excellent condition, 29 per cent were good, 37 per cent were fair, 21 per cent were poor and 10 per cent were in very poor condition.

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The province’s agriculture department reported 99.4 per cent of Alberta’s major crops were combined as of Oct. 14, 3.1 points more than in the previous week, compared to the five-year average of 97 per cent and the 10-year average of 83 per cent. The northwest region’s harvest was 100 per cent complete, while the central region was at 98.9 per cent. All other regions were within one point of finishing operations.

The harvests for all major crops were either completion or less than a point away from completion, except for canola at 98.5 per cent.

Despite recent rain and snowfall in some areas, the added moisture wasn’t enough to improve fall-seeded crop quality provincewide. The northeast and northwest regions saw improvement from the past week, while the south region was steady and the central region declined. Crops in the south region were rated at 51 per cent good to excellent, compared to 26 per cent in the northwest, 16 per cent in the central region and 11 per cent in the northeast. There were no fall-seeded crops reported in the Peace region.

Provincially, surface moisture conditions were down slightly to 16 per cent good to excellent, below the five-year average of 40 per cent. Regionally, surface moisture conditions rated good to excellent were at 22 per cent in the south region, nine per cent in the central region, seven per cent in the northeast, 22 per cent in the northwest and 29 per cent in the Peace region.

Sub-surface moisture conditions rated good to excellent remained steady at 18 per cent, below the five-year average of 37 per cent. Regional good to excellent ratings for sub-surface soil moisture was at 23 per cent in the south, 13 per cent in the central, 10 per cent in the northeast, 19 per cent in the northwest and 30 per cent in the Peace region. Most parts of the province are entering winter with dry soil conditions and average or higher winter snowfall, as well as spring precipitation will be needed to replenish soil moisture and support crop and forage growth in the coming season.

Most producers had already begun moving cattle off pastures and feeding livestock at home. Provincial pastures with good to excellent growth conditions declined by two points to 15 per cent, below the five-year average of 29 per cent. Regional good to excellent pasture conditions were at 29 per cent in the south region, five per cent in the central region, one per cent in the northeast, 14 per cent in the northwest, and 27 per cent in the Peace region.

Provincially, forage reserves were rated at 10 per cent deficit, 19 per cent possible shortfall, 62 per cent adequate, and nine per cent surplus. The feed grain reserves were rated at three per cent deficit, nine per cent possible shortfall, 76 per cent adequate and 12 per cent surplus.

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The provincial harvest was 98 per cent complete as of Oct. 13, said the Saskatchewan government’s weekly crop report released on Oct. 16. The harvest might have been completed if rain and snow hadn’t fallen in some regions last weekend. The Strasbourg area in the south-central part of the province received the most precipitation at 52 millimetres.

All spring and winter cereal crops were combined, while canola was 98 per cent harvested and the mustard harvest was 95 per cent complete. Canary seed was 92 per cent finished, followed by chickpeas at 88 per cent, flax at 87 per cent and soybeans at 83 per cent.

Topsoil moisture for cropland was rated at seven per cent surplus, 53 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. For hayland areas, it was five per cent surplus, 49 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. For pastures, topsoil moisture was three per cent surplus, 36 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 19 per cent very short.

The supply of hay was nine per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Greenfeed was six per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate and five per cent short. Silage was six per cent surplus, 92 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Straw was 14 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and eight per cent short. Feed grain was 11 per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and four per cent short.

Wind, frost and snowfall caused minor amounts of damage to the crops remaining in the field, as well as wildlife and migratory birds feeding on crops and grain bags. Producers were spraying for weeds, applying fertilizer, harrowing fields and servicing equipment as the harvest nears its completion. Livestock producers were moving cattle home for winter, as well as hauling bales and marketing livestock.

The province will release its final crop report on Oct. 30.

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Manitoba crops were 93 per cent combined as of Oct. 13, six points more than the previous week, said the province’s weekly crop report released on Oct. 15. All regions saw at least 14 millimetres of precipitation while snow accumulated in parts of the northwest. The Pas received the most precipitation at 65.7 mm. Winds exceeding 60 kilometres per hour were also felt in most regions. Nevertheless, harvest progress in all regions ranged from 91 to 98 per cent.

The barley and oat harvests were 99 per cent complete, while canola and dry beans were 96 per cent finished. Soybeans were 90 per cent complete while potatoes were at 84 per cent. Silage corn and flax were at 77 and 76 per cent, respectively, while grain corn lagged at 42 per cent and sunflowers trailed all crops at 17 per cent.

Winter cereal planting is complete with most of them in the three-leaf stage. Spring wheat yields averaged 60 bushels per acre with some fields showing yields up to 90 bu./ac. Barley yields ranged from 65 to 110 bu./ac., while oats ranged from 110 to 130 bu./ac. However, wet harvest conditions have caused a loss of quality in spring cereals.

Canola yields averaged 45 bu./ac. in a range of 30 to 70 bu./ac. The field pea harvest yielded an average of 60 bu./ac. from a range of 30 to 75 bu./ac. The soybean harvest continued with yields between 30 to 55 bu./ac. Meanwhile, the sunflower harvest was delayed due to producers waiting for them to dry.

Producers with cereal silage and native/slough hay are fighting wet conditions to wrap up their harvests. Producers are also encouraged to use management practices to promote and maintain snow cover for insulating alfalfa crowns in the winter. Pastures are now dormant with livestock now feeding on stockpiled forages, crop residue and regrowth or supplemental feed.

Livestock operations have begun weaning, but rains caused muddy conditions in pastures and corrals. Most producers have acquired sufficient amounts of feed for the winter, while hay and straw bales were being moved to wintering areas. Manure was also being spread out onto fields.

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Manitoba’s harvest advanced by 14 points to 86 per cent complete, said the province’s weekly crop report. Spring wheat was 99 per cent finished while barley and oats were 98 per cent. The canola harvest moved up to 92 per cent done while dry beans were at 90 per cent and potatoes were at 84 per cent. The soybean and silage corn harvests were at 69 per cent finished, with corn for grain at eight per cent.

The central, eastern and Interlake regions received heavy precipitation and winds gusting to 80 kilometres per hour. Sprague Lake in the eastern region received the most rain at 70.7 millimetres. However, there were a handful of locations that received less than one mm. Precipitation accumulations since May 1 were below 60 per cent of normal in the Interlake and parts of the northwest, while parts of the southwest and central regions received more than 100 per cent.

Spring wheat yields averaged 60 bushels per acre, with some yields reported to be 70 to 90 bu./ac. Quality was mostly good, but fields with delayed harvest due to wet conditions saw their wheat downgraded to feed. Oat yields ranged from 110 to 130 bu./ac., while barley yields were 65 to 110. Most corn for grain reached maturity as harvest began.

Canola yields ranged from 30 to 70 bu./ac. with an average of 45. Both flax and sunflowers were desiccated with the latter in the R8 and R9 development stages. Soybean yields ranged from 30 to 55 bu./ac.

Corn silage harvests have begun with average to above-average yields reported in most areas.

Some pastures remain in very good condition but producers are already providing supplementary feed for livestock. Producers are also considering late cuts of alfalfa as weather permits, particularly in areas that received frost damage.

Cattle were in excellent condition and remain on fall grazing pastures, hayland and harvested crop fields. Producers have started weaning and cattle are heading into markets being sold at very good prices. Most producers secured winter feed, but those in very dry areas are sourcing feed from elsewhere. Manure is starting to be spread out onto fields.

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The province’s harvest was 68 per cent complete, Saskatchewan’s weekly crop report said on Sept. 25. This was compared to the five-year average of 83 per cent and the 10-year average of 72 per cent.

Harvest progress in the southwest led all regions at 80 per cent complete, followed by the southeast at 70 per cent, the northwest at 69 per cent, the west-central region at 65 per cent, the northeast at 61 per cent and the east-central region at 59 per cent.

While Saskatchewan’s winter wheat and fall rye harvest was finished, field peas were at 99 per cent completion and lentils were 96 per cent combined. Barley was at 86 per cent, durum at 78 per cent, spring wheat at 73 per cent and oats at 70 per cent. However, due to rains and high humidity, some yet-to-be-harvested cereal crops showed low quality and sprouting.

The mustard harvest was 62 per cent complete, followed by canola at 42 per cent, soybeans at 23 per cent and flax at 18 per cent.

The most rain fell in the Rhein area east of Yorkton at 44 millimetres during the week. Meanwhile, Carnduff and Blaine Lake saw 20 mm and the Calder area received 18 mm.

Cropland topsoil moisture was at two per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Hayland topsoil conditions were three per cent surplus, 51 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and 17 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil conditions were two per cent surplus, 40 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 22 per cent very short.

As for pastures, one per cent were in excellent condition, 31 per cent in good condition, 39 per cent in fair condition, 20 per cent in poor condition and nine per cent in very poor condition.

Most of the crop damage reported was caused by wind and dry conditions. There were also some reports of low-lying areas being lost to water accumulation. Waterfowl damage was more present this week as geese, cranes and other waterfowl moved across the province.

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The Manitoba harvest advanced six points at 56 per cent completed. Some of the progress was due to the start of the soybean and silage corn harvests. Soybean combining operations began in the central and eastern regions with three per cent finished. Meanwhile, the central and Interlake regions began taking silage corn off the ground, completing 12 per cent of the province’s harvest.

The spring wheat was 93 per cent complete, followed by barley at 89 per cent and oats at 84 per cent. Canola was 45 per cent combined.

While some areas received less than one millimetre of precipitation, Ethelbert in the northwest region saw 109.1 mm, which triggered a local state of emergency due to overland flooding and washed-out roads. All regions saw at least 37 mm during the week. Despite the rainfall, soil conditions were dry to very dry in large parts of the Interlake as well as in localized areas in other regions. Wet conditions were present in areas of the province’s other regions.

Spring wheat yields averaged 60 bu./ac. with some fields reported at 70 bu./ac. Oats yielded 110 to 130 bu./ac. and barley was at 65 to 110 bu./ac. Most corn was in the R5 (dent) stage.

Canola yields ranged from 26 to 60 bu./ac. with an average of 45. Flax was in the brown capsule stage and sunflowers ranged from the R8 to R9 growth stages with most being desiccated.

Dry beans were in the R7 and R8 growth stages and harvest has started in the earliest-seeded fields. Most soybeans were also in the R7 and R8 stages with much of their harvest to be completed in two weeks.

Moist and warm conditions aided fall grazing and pasture growth, but the rainfall has caused challenges in harvesting native hay and greenfeed. Manure spreading has started on some fields.

Producers have started weaning and marketing their calves, while cattle on pasture were in good condition despite some fly pressure. Pastures were in excellent condition with some producers in the Interlake and southwest supplementing out on pasture. Winter feed supplies were mixed across Manitoba as some producers look for more while others are selling surplus amounts.

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Combining reached 29 per cent completion, the province’s weekly crop report said. The winter wheat and fall rye harvests were 99 per cent complete, while field peas were at 95 per cent. Barley and spring wheat were at 65 and 59 per cent, respectively, while oats were at 41 per cent. Canola was 10 per cent combined.

The most rainfall was recorded at Kane in the central region at 60.3 millimetres, with Dominion City in the east and Newdale in the southwest receiving 31.2 and 30.9 mm, respectively. Several areas across Manitoba received no rainfall.

Total precipitation accumulations this season were below 60 per cent compared to the 30-year average in the Interlake and parts of the Northwest and Eastern regions. Parts of the Southwest have accumulated higher than normal precipitation levels since May 1.

Spring wheat conditions ranged from 80 to 90 per cent good to excellent, while producing 50 to 60 bushels per acre. Winter wheat yields ranged from 50 to 80 bu./ac., while fall rye was at 60 to 110. Barley was at 60 to 70 bu./ac., while oats were at 100 to 150. Most corn was in the R5 (dent) stage of growth.

Canola yields were from 45 to 60 bu./ac. as swathing and desiccation were ongoing. Flax was in the brown capsule stage and most sunflowers have completed flowering. Avian Control, a bird repellent, received emergency registration in sunflowers to reduce damage by blackbirds. However, the treatment, which can be applied up to the day of harvest, can cause damage such as leaf discolouration.

Field pea yields ranged from 30 to 75 bu./ac., averaging approximately 60 bu./ac. Dry beans were in the R7 and R8 stages, while most soybeans were in the R5 and R6 stages.

Warm weather and improved moisture conditions in some areas allowed pastures to regrow, providing extra grazing days for livestock. Second cut harvest yields for beef producers were below-average and dairies were on their third cut, which were seeing higher yields than the second cut. Slough hay and straw yields appeared to be average. Silage corn harvest is set to begin in two weeks as most corn were in the dent stage.

Cattle on pasture were in good condition while producers monitor for foot rot, fly pressure and pneumonia. Water levels were mixed, causing some producers to move cattle or haul water. Winter feed supplies were also mixed with some producers sourcing additional feed and others with a surplus selling their own.

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Only 10.8 per cent of Alberta’s crops have come off the ground, according to the province’s weekly crop report. By comparison, the five-year average at this time was 14.7 per cent.

Fall rye and winter wheat harvests are near complete at 91.2 and 88.3 per cent, respectively. Lentils were at 62.3 per cent completion while dry peas were at 49.6 per cent. Durum was at 19.7 per cent, followed by chickpeas (16.5 per cent), barley (11 per cent), mustard (10.4 per cent), spring wheat (6.3 per cent), oats (3.7 per cent), canola (0.4 per cent) and mixed grain (0.1 per cent).

Provincial crop conditions were rated at 65 per cent good to excellent, with the five-year average at 50 per cent. The central region had the highest proportion of all crops rated as good to excellent condition at 93 per cent, followed by the northwest at 70 per cent, the south at 65 per cent, the northeast at 61 per cent and the Peace region at 27 per cent.

Copious amounts of moisture throughout the summer significantly aided crop yields. Alberta’s five-year dryland yield index was 118.6, or 18.6 per cent higher yield than the five-year average. The central region fared the best at 144.5, while the Peace region was the worst at 94.5. Oats had the highest yields at 71.8 bushels per acre, followed by barley (69.1), spring wheat (50.6), dry peas (47) and canola (39.7).

Alberta surface soil moisture was rated at 56.6 per cent good to excellent provincewide, 13 points above the five-year average. The central region was in the best condition at 81.1 per cent, while the south region was in the worst condition at 44 per cent, down nine points from the previous week.

Provincial sub-surface was rated 54 per cent good to excellent, above the five-year average of 42 per cent. Regional sub-surface soil moisture ranged from 81 per cent for the central region to 37(+1) per cent for the northwest.

Alberta tame hay growth was rated at 44 per cent good to excellent. Regional ratings were from 77 per cent in the central region (32 points ahead of the five-year average) to 20 per cent in the northeast (down 18 points). With warm temperatures, second cut of dryland hay is ongoing with 21 per cent of second cut complete compared to the five-year average of 28 per cent for this week. Second cut yields were estimated at 1.3 tons per acre, ahead of the five-year average of one ton/ac.

Provincial pasture conditions were 54 per cent good to excellent, ranging from 84.7 per cent in the central region to 27.1 per cent in the northeast.

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Manitoba’s growers completed 10 per cent of the harvest, compared to four per cent one week earlier, according to the province’s weekly crop report released on Aug. 26. The central region’s harvest was 16 per cent finished while the northwest was at four per cent.

Winter wheat and fall rye were 85 per cent combined, followed by field peas at 65 per cent. Barley was 20 per cent complete, while spring wheat was at 18 per cent, oats were at 10 per cent and canola was at one per cent with its harvest starting in the central and eastern regions.

Yield estimates for winter wheat ranged from 50 to 80 bushels per acre, while those for fall rye were 60 to 110. Early in the spring wheat harvest, yields were from 50 to 60 bu./ac., with quality ranging from 80 to 90 per cent good to excellent. Oat yields were 100 to 150 bu./ac., while barley was 60 to 70. Most corn was in the R4 and R5 stages.

Canola yields so far were 45 to 60 bu./ac. with swathing and desiccation ongoing. Flax was in the brown capsule stage and sunflowers were either in full flower or have completed flowering. However, blackbird damage to sunflower fields has led to the emergency registration of Avian Control, a bird repellent to be applied in fields up to the day of harvest. However, it can cause plant damage including leaf discolouration.

Portage la Prairie in the central region received the most rainfall during the week at 111.1 millimetres, with 98.5 mm falling between Aug. 20 and 21. On the flip side, Treherne, located in the same region, only saw 0.2 mm. Several areas in the southwest region received no precipitation at all.

Moisture conditions for the top 30 centimetres of soil varied wildly. Parts of the Interlake saw dry to very dry conditions, while areas within the northwest, southwest and central regions were rated optimal and very wet.

Field pea yields averaged 60 bu./ac., while dry beans were in the R7 and R8 stages and most soybeans were in the R5 and R6 stages.

Pastures were rebounding due to improved moisture conditions and producers were taking advantage by providing additional grazing days for livestock. Many producers also have hay and greenfeed, but rain has prevented them from being baled and quality is a concern. Second cut harvest yields for beef producers are below average, while dairies are going ahead with a third cut with yields stronger than the second. There were also average yields for slough hay and straw, as well as average to below-average yields for cereal greenfeed. Feed corn is starting to dent with silage harvest three weeks away.

Cattle on pasture were in good condition, but fly pressure was a concern with producers monitoring foot rot and pneumonia. Rains have replenished water sources in some areas, but others have remained dry. Some areas are also sourcing additional feed for the winter, while others are selling some of their surplus.

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