According to the latest provincial crop report, west central producers are within striking distance of wrapping up harvest for the year. 

Many producers were able to continue with harvest operations last week as 83 per cent of the crop is now in the bin.  This is up from 69 per cent last week but remains behind the five-year average of 93 per cent for this time of year.

The west central region made significant progress last week and as of October 21, had 93 per cent of crops combined. The northeast region is the only area more advanced in harvest operations sitting at 94% complete. The east central region is the farthest away from completion sittingat 66% complete. The northwest region is at 89 per cent, the southwest region 88 per cent, whereas the southeast region is reporting 78 per cent complete.

Ninety-three per cent of barley, 89 per cent of mustard, 84 per cent of spring wheat, 83 per cent of durum, 82 per cent of chickpeas, 79 per cent of canola, 77 per cent of canary seed, 45 per cent of flax and 37 per cent of soybeans are now in the bin.  An additional 17 per cent of canola is swathed or is ready to straight-cut.Little precipitation was received across the province last week, however the Rhein area reported 12 mm of precipitation and the Barthel area 11 mm. 

Across the province, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 18 per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, five per cent short and one per cent very short.Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 10 per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and two per cent very short.

Some fields remain saturated with excess water, particularly in southern and east-central regions.  The majority of crop damage this past week was due to lodging, strong winds, and frost.  Geese and wildlife continue to cause damage by feeding on swathed crops.There continues to be many reports of significant downgrading at the elevator due to crops sprouting.  The majority of the crop coming off is tough or damp and is being placed into aeration bins and grain dryers.