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Last week, some producers experienced delays in harvesting due to rain; however, significant progress was made. The harvest in the west-central region is currently 90% complete, exceeding the five-year average (86%) and the ten-year average (80%).
The relatively dry conditions in the west-central region allowed producers to make substantial harvesting progress last week. Winter wheat, forage rye, triticale, lentils, and field peas have all been harvested, with 98% of the soybean and mustard fields also completed. Most of the summer cereal fields have been harvested, with 97% for durum wheat, 96% for barley, 95% for oats, and 92% for canary seed. Canola harvest is 87% complete, while flax is at 58%. Meanwhile, 63% of pea fields remain unharvested.
Some areas in the west-central region received rain, but overall, the region has experienced a dry week. The Marsden area saw the most moisture with 17 mm of rain, followed by Sonningdale and Macklin with 13 mm. The soil moisture levels in this region have remained relatively unchanged, with cropland upper soil moisture categorized as 65% adequate, 33% short, and 2% very short. The upper layer moisture of the crop land is reported as 1% excessive, 58% adequate, 39% short, and only 3% very short. Lastly, pasture moisture is above state averages with 1% excessive, 56% adequate, 41% short, and just 2% very short.
Crop yields in the west-central region vary but are generally similar to state averages. Hard red wheat yield is estimated at 41 bushels per acre, barley at 60 bushels per acre, and durum wheat at 36 bushels per acre. The estimated canola yield is 33 bushels per acre, which aligns exactly with state averages. The estimated yield for chickpeas is 37 bushels per acre, and lentil yield is projected at 1,104 pounds per acre.
The quality of hard red wheat in this region also varies. Of the hard red wheat, 63% is graded 1CW, 20% as 2CW, 14% as 3CW, and 2% as CW feed.
Reports indicate that strong winds have caused damage in the fields. Additionally, reports of minor wildlife and waterfowl damage have been noted on some remaining crops. Producers are hopeful that a week of better weather will allow them to complete the harvest. Livestock producers are currently busy with baling straw and transporting bales.
Source: Tarım Haberleri
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.
