A return of warm and dry weather for several days allowed farmers to make progress on the 2017 harvest.
Saskatchewan Agriculture said in Thursday’s crop report that 89 per cent of the crop is now in the bin, with another eight per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.
READ MORE: Dry summer affecting Saskatchewan wheat yields
The five-year average for this time of year is 82 per cent.
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Overall yield estimates remain average, although officials said it varies across the province depending on the time of seeding and how much moisture was received.
Some producers in eastern and northern regions are reporting higher yields due to timely rainfall, while yields in much of the southern and central regions were affected by the heat and lack of moisture.
Farmers said many crops did not fill out properly and some cereal crops have reduced protein content and lighter bushel weights.
Spring wheat grades are above the 10-year average, with 74 per cent reported as 1 CW.
READ MORE: National report identifies priorities for wheat industry
Heavy rain and snow during the week has helped improve topsoil moisture conditions but officials said more is need to replenish the subsoil before next spring, but not before farmers finish with the harvest.
Cropland topsoil moisture is now rated at 43 per cent short and 13 per cent very short, while hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated 39 per cent short and 25 per cent very short.
Damage to crops in the past week was due to localized flooding, frost, strong winds and the lack of moisture.
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