MOOSE JAW — Farmers in and around Moose Jaw are cautiously optimistic following another week of heavy rainfall that both delayed harvest progress and improved soil moisture, according to the latest Saskatchewan Crop Report for the period of Aug. 5 to 11.
While producers welcomed the timely rain for later-seeded crops, the report noted concerns remain about crop quality and the pace of fieldwork in parts of the southwest, which includes Moose Jaw and surrounding rural municipalities.
“Widespread rainfall in the province last week had varying impacts on crops. The rain was timely for later-seeded crops as they continue to fill, but some producers are concerned about the potential impact on quality for early-seeded crops,” the report stated.
Rainfall in Moose Jaw and southwest
Moose Jaw recorded 19 millimetres of rain during the week, bringing cumulative totals since April 1 to about 180 mm. By comparison, the Webb area saw the region’s heaviest rainfall at 79 mm, while nearby Kincaid and Morse recorded 76 mm and 63 mm, respectively.
Provincewide, the highest total was in the Beatty area with 105 mm, followed by Calder with 103 mm and Star City with 102 mm. At the low end, some municipalities in west-central Saskatchewan, including Mayfield and Frenchman Butte, reported almost no measurable rainfall.
Soil moisture
The report highlighted a significant improvement in topsoil moisture across much of Saskatchewan, including Moose Jaw’s surrounding farmland.
In the southwest, cropland topsoil moisture was rated at 27 per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, four per cent short, and two per cent very short. For hayland, 19 per cent was surplus, 71 per cent adequate, nine per cent short, and one per cent very short. Pasture conditions were similar, with 17 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short, and one per cent very short.
Locally, cropland around Moose Jaw ranged from short to adequate moisture. Hay and pasture fields remained on the drier side, with short conditions reported in most areas immediately surrounding the city.
Harvest progress in the southwest
Harvest in Saskatchewan is slightly behind schedule, with just two per cent of crops combined across the province compared to the five- and 10-year averages of six per cent.
The southwest, including Moose Jaw, has made the most progress so far, though wet weather kept combines out of fields for much of the week. Three per cent of crops in the region have been harvested, led by winter cereals.
By Aug. 11, 24 per cent of winter wheat and 21 per cent of fall rye had been combined in the southwest. Early harvest of spring crops also began, with five per cent of barley, four per cent of oats, and one per cent of durum taken off. Pulse crops showed modest progress, with five per cent of field peas and two per cent of lentils combined.
Yields and forage
Persistent dry conditions earlier in the season weighed on hay yields, particularly on dryland acres. In the southwest, dryland alfalfa yielded just 0.63 tonnes per acre, tame hay 0.46 tonnes, and greenfeed 1.19 tonnes.
Irrigated fields fared better, with alfalfa averaging 1.99 tonnes per acre and tame hay 1.22 tonnes. Silage crops produced stronger results, averaging 5.90 tonnes per acre in the region, slightly above the provincial average of 5.25 tonnes.
Crop damage and pests
Weather remained the leading factor in crop damage during the report period. Excess rainfall caused regrowth in some fields, complicating harvest plans. Strong winds paired with heavy downpours also caused lodging in certain areas, while isolated pockets of hail added to crop stress.
Grasshopper and bertha armyworm activity were reported in parts of the province, forcing some producers to spray.
Temperatures
Temperatures in the Moose Jaw region held steady during the week, with a minimum of 11.5 C and a maximum of 27.9 C. Nearby Assiniboia recorded a high of 28.7 C, while the provincial peak was 30.1 C east of Coronach.
Safety reminder
With harvest season ramping up, the Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers and the public to keep safety top of mind.
“Harvest is a busy time in Saskatchewan, and everyone is reminded to prioritize safety this fall,” the report said.
Producers are encouraged to watch for hazards such as fire and power lines, while motorists are reminded to be patient with heavy farm equipment on rural roads.
The Farm Stress Line remains available at 1-800-667-4442 for producers needing support during the busy season. The Do More Agriculture Foundation also has resources in place to help farmers during a potentially stressful harvest season.
A full version of the Crop Report is available online at Saskatchewan.ca/Crop-Report.
