Hot and dry weather is both good and bad news for farmers in Saskatchewan, allowing the harvest to proceed quickly but worsening field conditions.
Saskatchewan Agriculture reported Thursday five per cent of the crop is combined and nine per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
The five-year average for this time of year is three per cent combined and four per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Harvest is furthest along in the southwest, with 10 per cent of the crop combined. Producers in the southeast have eight per cent combined, while those in northern regions are expected to be in the field soon.
Seventy-one per cent of fall rye, 24 per cent of spring wheat, 21 per cent of field peas, and 20 per cent of lentils are in the bin. Six per cent of the canola crop is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
The lack of moisture, wind, and extreme temperatures were blamed for the majority of crop damage in the past week.
High temperatures caused crops to dry down rapidly, which could affect yields and quality, and producers in drier areas have reported stubble and combine fires.
The majority of the province did not receive rain during the reporting period of Aug. 7 to 13, with the exception of scattered pockets in the Nipawin, Spiritwood, and Meadow Lake regions.
Saskatchewan Agriculture said any further rainfall will be too late for many of the crops still in the field.
Topsoil moisture conditions have significantly worsened due to hot weather and dry conditions.
Across the province, cropland moisture is rated as 31 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 25 per cent very short.
Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 24 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 38 per cent very short.
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