Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are implementing contingency plans to minimize the impacts of postal service disruption.

Les ministères, sociétés d’État et organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan mettent en œuvre des plans d’urgence (en anglais) visant à réduire les répercussions de l’interruption du service des postes.

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Crop Report for the Period August 27 to September 2, 2024

Released on September 5, 2024

Harvest has progressed quickly throughout most of the province over the past week. Currently, 42 per cent of the 2024 crop has been harvested, which is up from the 25 per cent reported last week. This is ahead of the five-year average of 34 per cent and the 10-year average of 31 per cent. Producers are hopeful for favourable weather to further advance harvest operations throughout the province in the coming weeks

The southwest region continues to lead harvest operations with 73 per cent of this year's crop harvested. The southeast region has 47 per cent of the crop in the bin, followed by the east-central region at 38 per cent and the west-central region at 31 per cent. The northeast currently has 22 per cent harvested and the northwest region sits at 19 per cent harvested.

Winter cereals are nearing completion with 94 per cent of fall rye and 93 per cent of winter wheat harvested. Pulse crops have also substantially increased in harvest completion with 92 per cent of lentils and 90 per cent of field peas harvested. Of the cereal crops, durum is the furthest ahead in harvest progress at 63 per cent, followed by barley at 52 per cent and oats at 32 per cent. Spring wheat currently sits at 28 per cent harvested across the province and canary seed sits at 19 per cent. Mustard is the furthest advanced at 63 per cent harvested for oilseed crops, followed by canola at 16 per cent and flax at eight per cent.

The range in growing conditions across the province has caused varying yield estimates reported for all crop types. Regionally, producers also indicate large variations in yield from field to field due to the scattered rainfall amounts received throughout the growing season. The current estimated averages of crop yields are 45 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 33 bushels per acre for durum, 75 bushels per acre for oats, 63 bushels per acre for barley, 34 bushels per acre for canola, 36 bushels per acre for field peas and 1,317 pounds per acre for lentils. Throughout many regions of the province, crop yields and quality have been negatively impacted by the high temperatures that occurred through the critical stages of flowering combined with the dry conditions experienced in certain regions. Additionally, with the increased temperatures occurring through harvest, producers will need to monitor grain storage in the coming weeks. 

Crop infographic showing per cent harvested overtop of drone photo of farm equipment harvesting.

Rainfall was variable throughout the province with many areas reporting reduced rainfall amounts over the past week apart from the west-central region which received the highest rainfall. The Marsden area reported the highest amount of rainfall for the week at 60 mm followed by the Neilburg area at 57 mm. The Macklin and Unity areas received 50 mm over the past week. 

Topsoil moisture conditions are similar to those reported from last week. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 40 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 22 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 34 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 23 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 37 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for rain following harvest to help replenish soil moisture conditions and mitigate further fire risk.

Crop damage reported over the past week was mainly due to wind and migratory birds. Crop lodging has caused some challenges for producers while combining. Minor damage was also reported from hail and grasshoppers in some regions of the province. 

As producers continue with combining, swathing, desiccating, baling straw and hauling bales, they are reminded to exercise caution and remain safe in all the work that they do. Fire risk remains high in many areas due to the drier conditions. Additionally, motorists are asked to remain vigilant and exercise patience when travelling around or near farm equipment on the highway. 

A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online - Download Crop Report. 

Follow the 2024 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture. 

-30-

For more information, contact:

Meghan Rosso
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3721
Email: meghan.rosso@gov.sk.ca

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve