Sask. harvest 2% complete, crops rapidly advancing due to heat [Video]

Saskatchewan farmers are beginning harvest.

“It’s an exciting time of year,” said Yorkton-area farmer and Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) Vice President Bill Prybylski. “But it’s also nerve racking.”

Crops are continuing to advance due to increased temperatures and lack of moisture during the past week, according to the province.

Saskatchewan’s crop report for July 30 to Aug. 5 outlined that the weather conditions have also led to a declining yield potential for some crops.

“Although any moisture received would be too late for advanced crops, producers indicate moisture would still be beneficial for later seeded crops to help with grain fill along with supporting pasture conditions,” the report read.

Prybylski says the wet, rainy spring couple with a hot, humid summer and a lack of top soil moisture led to rapid crop development.

“June put our crops behind normal,” he added. “But the heat certainly sped maturity.”

“But it’s also hurt things,” Prybylski said.

Rainfall was variable over the week …