By CKOM News

Harvest begins in parts of Saskatchewan

Aug 4, 2022 | 3:57 PM

Harvest has just kicked off in some areas across the province, particularly in the west-central and southwest regions where crop development is most advanced.

According to the weekly Crop Report from the Ministry of Agriculture, the start of harvest is still at least a week away in the eastern regions, where many crops are behind in development.

Rain continues to create some issues and uncertainty for farmers, with the report noting that some areas got no rain at all over the past week, while other areas were hammered by localized storms that left behind flooding and damaged crops. The Unity area, for example, received 53 millimetres of rain between July 26 and Aug. 1.

Overall, topsoil moisture levels decreased slightly in the past week, with ratings sitting at four per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short, and 13 per cent very short.

Pasture conditions, on the other hand, have improved “tremendously,” according to the Crop Report. Thanks to significant rain that let the land recover from last year’s drought, pasture conditions were rated at 16 per cent excellent, 41 per cent good, 25 per cent fair, 12 per cent poor, and six per cent very poor.

Court proceedings

Psych assessment to be ordered for man accused of killing his mother

19h ago

PA to the Pros

Former Raider Nolan Allan makes NHL debut with Chicago

19h ago

Tuesday Tilt

Mintos fall to Blazers as special teams struggle

21h ago

Minor flooding, disease, drought, wind, grasshoppers, and hail all contributed to crop damage this week, with a few severe storms causing significant damage.

“Some crops were laid down and lodged by strong winds and heavy rains, while others were destroyed by hail,” the report read. “Hailstorms damaged crops from Marengo all the way to the east of Lake Diefenbaker; buildings, machinery and vehicles were also damaged.”