Keep the Heat Coming

Keep the Heat Coming

Generally warm, dry conditions prevailed across the prairies last week and over the weekend which has helped advance crop development. Swathing is underway in southwestern and central Manitoba, southwestern Saskatchewan, and southern Alberta. A few of the very earliest fields in these areas have been combined. Swathing is just beginning in other regions. Overall, the crop has about 40% seed colour change and if hot, dry conditions continue it is anticipated that swathing will become general in all areas within a week to 10 days. Harvest management continues to be challenging due to the variable stages within fields. For instance, some areas of Alberta that were dry early in the season, then received rainfall in early July, now have fields with flowering plants as well as plants that are nearing maturity.

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is available at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crprpt090826
The latest crop report from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is available at:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd4191#2009
The following maps show growing degree days accumulating across western Canada this growing season: http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prtgdd_e.htm