Early signs of harvest are in the southwest region, as the provincial crop report noted two per cent of the harvest is complete.
Among crops harvested are winter wheat (seven per cent), fall rye (21 per cent), triticale (37 per cent), barley (one per cent), spring wheat (one per cent), and oats (two per cent).
As for the rest of the province, most crops continue to develop at their normal pace for this time of year, thanks in large part to the hot conditions this past week.
Of the fall cereal crops: four per cent are reported as ahead, 86 per cent as normal and 10 per cent behind.
Of the spring cereal crops: seven per cent of spring cereals are reported as ahead, 71 per cent as normal and 22 per cent behind.
Among oilseed crops: six per cent of oilseeds are reported as ahead, 65 per cent as normal and 29 per cent behind.
Among pulse crops: 10 per cent of pulse crops are reported as ahead, 77 per cent as normal and 13 per cent behind.
Of forage crops: Two per cent of perennial forages are reported as ahead, 83 per cent as normal and 15 per cent behind. One per cent of annual forages are reported as ahead, 78 per cent as normal and 21 per cent behind.
Reported crop damage over the last week came from the hot and dry weather with some crops receiving minor to moderate damage. There were also reports of wind, grasshoppers and bertha armyworms causing minor crop damage in certain areas.
As for precipitation, it was limited as the Milden area received the most rainfall with 31 millimetres (mm), followed by the Beaver River area with 28 mm and the Invermay area with 20 mm.
Topsoil moisture levels for crop land is two per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Hay land topsoil moisture is rated two per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short, and eight per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is two per cent surplus, 45 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short, and 12 per cent very short.
Despite the moisture levels, the condition of pastures across the province is in good to fair condition, but some are in poor condition due to the limited rain. The report states six per cent of pastures are in excellent condition, 53 per cent are good, 33 per cent are fair, seven per cent are poor, and one per cent is in very poor condition.
As other producers continue to prepare for harvest, they are reminded to take precautions to mitigate the risk of fire and to ensure harvest is done safely. The public is also reminded to be patient around farm equipment as there will be an increased presence of semis and combines on the road.
The Ministry of Agriculture reminds farmers of the Farm Stress Line should they need support during one of the busiest times of the year. The toll-free number is 1-800-667-4442.
