By Alice McFarlane

Variable yields and good quality in last Saskatchewan crop report of 2024

Oct 31, 2024 | 1:00 PM

Yields were slightly above average during the 2024 harvest.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture released its final Crop Report of the year which provided a summary of what transpired this growing season.

Crops Extension Specialist Tyce Masich said most crops got off to a good start this year due to spring moisture. Hot and dry conditions in July and August caused crops to rapidly develop and then took a toll.

Overall, yields in Saskatchewan were above the 10-year average for most crops, but regional yields vary based on rainfall received during critical parts of the growing season, according to Masich..

“The crops that yielded above the 10-year average were only slightly above the 10-year averages so I wouldn’t say it was an outstanding year by any means. But it’s definitely a good sign that a lot of crops, especially crops like wheat and barley, are above that 10-year average, which is good given the dry years we’ve had for the last few years,” Masich said.

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The only crops that yielded lower than the 10-year average were durum, oats, canola and mustard.

Most high-acreage crops in Saskatchewan graded in the top two categories, indicating good overall crop quality.

“Overall, producers this year were happy with how their crops graded, pretty much all crops graded in the top two categories, which is definitely a very good sign for producers,” he said. “The heat did lead to some light bushel weights for cereals and also there were some rains in September, when crops were coming off, which caused bleaching to some cereal crops, which again hurts the quality. But overall, crops graded pretty well in Saskatchewan which producers are happy with.”

The early start to harvest allowed producers to get the crop off in good time and allowed time for other field work to be done prior to freeze-up. Producers continue to hope for more rain this fall and a lot of snow over winter to improve moisture conditions for next spring.

Many producers are still working at post-harvest field prior to freeze-up. Producers are harrowing, applying fall fertilizer and drying grain. Producers with livestock are currently moving cattle home for the winter and hauling bales.

Once the snow flies, producers will enjoy a break from field work and continue planning next year’s operation

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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