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Harvest operations well ahead of five-year average

Sep 23, 2021 | 2:17 PM

Warm and dry weather conditions have advanced harvest progress this week around the province.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Crops Extension Specialist Matt Struthers said producers continue to make excellent harvest progress with 89 per cent of crops in the bin, up from 74 per cent last week.

“Just about every region is just about wrapped up and definitely well ahead of where they normally are,” Struthers said.

The five-year average for this time of year is 63 per cent.

The southwest region is sitting at 74 per cent combined, 92 per cent in the southeast, the northeast is at 90 per cent, west central is at 89 per cent, east central is at 84 per cent, and the northwest is at 77 per cent complete.

According to Struthers, another week of warm weather and most crops will be off except for flax, which is expected to take a little longer.

“I think most producers wait for a good frost, it doesn’t damage the oil content of flax,” Struthers said. “They can wait for a good frost and use mother nature to help them out that way.”

Strong winds, and heavy to light frosts damaged crops this past week.

“For anyone that has any wildlife damage, crop insurance has a wildlife compensation program, even if you aren’t an existing customer with them,” Struthers said.

Pasture conditions in the north will need a lot of moisture in the winter and spring to really help the spring pastures.

Producers are busy with hauling bails and water, moving cattle and spreading fall fertilizer as well as herbicide applications.

angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser