When conditions allowed it, harvest progress was made around Saskatchewan but it was still behind the five and ten year averages for this time of year.
The Saskatchewan crop report, released Thursday morning, had harvest progress provincially at 18 per cent complete, up from 11 per cent last week. The five year average is 39 per cent and the ten year average is 34 per cent.
By region, the southwest remains farthest ahead at 38 per cent complete, followed by the southeast at 19 per cent, the west-central 17 per cent, east-central 10 per cent, and the northwest and northeast are at 4 per cent.
The crop report states last week started dry, allowing farmers to make progress, however "many regions received rainfall and localized hail later in the week."
The Rural Municipality of Prairie Rose had the most rain recorded at 136 millimetres (mm), followed by the R.M. of Fertile Belt at 125 mm, Langenburg 113 mm, and the R.M. of Sasman 96 mm.
Despite that, farmers are still optimistic that favourable weather conditions will help advance harvest progress.
The widespread precipitation resulted in sclerotinia stem rot damage in canola fields, particularly in regions which had excessive moisture earlier in the season. Other factors of crop damage recorded includes win and rain, causing some localized flooding.
On the other hand, rain improved topsoil moisture conditions across the province.
Crop land topsoil moisture levels for the week were 11 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 20 per cent short, and five per cent very short.
Hay land topsoil moisture was rated seven per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short, and seven per cent very short.
Pasture land moisture is four per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short, and 12 per cent very short.
As for the harvest itself, winter wheat and fall rye are the most harvested crops at this point with winter wheat at 74 per cent complete and fall rye at 88 per cent complete.
Mustard is the the most advanced oilseed crop at 25 per cent harvested, soybeans are at 7 per cent, canola 4 per cent and flax at just 1 per cent.
Among spring cereals, triticale is 68 per cent harvested, barley 32 per cent, durum 20 per cent, oats 12 per cent, spring wheat 6 per cent, and canary seed 4 per cent.
For pulses, lentils are 73 per cent combined, field peas 66 per cent, and chickpeas 7 per cent.
Crop reporters were asked to gather early yields of crops.
The current provincial averages are the following: 52 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 44 bushels per acre for durum, 94 bushels per acre for oats, 74 bushels per acre for barley, 41 bushels per acre for triticale, 38 bushels per acre for canola, 26 bushels per acre for flax and 39 bushels per acre for field peas. Lentil yields are currently estimated at 1,361 pounds per acre, mustard at 1,129 pounds, canary seed at 1,266 and chickpeas are 1,501 pounds per acre.
The report notes "significant variation in growing conditions across Saskatchewan resulted in a wide range of yield estimates for all crops."
Farmers continue to combine, swath, and desiccating crops seeded later in the season, as well as transporting grain and planning field work to prepare for next season. Livestock producers are busy baling and hauling straw.
Producers and the public are reminded to prioritize safety during the harvest season and the Farm Stress Line is also available to provide confidential support for producers. The toll-free number is 1-800-667-4442.
