Harvest is continuing in southeast Saskatchewan, despite some showers in areas over the weekend. Even with the slowdown, producers in the region have 77 percent of the crop in the bin so far. This is well ahead of the five year average of 46 percent and above the provincial mark of 56 percent.

There were some frost concerns in areas, with temperatures dropping down to as low as -3° last Wednesday. Most of the crops were mature enough to avoid sustaining any damage, but later seeded canola and soybean fields did suffer some injury.

The lack of rainfall overall this year is causing concern for many. For much of the region, 86 percent of cropland is reporting short, or very short moisture levels. It is even more extensive around Radville and Minton, where 75 percent are reporting very short moisture levels.

Yields have varied for many producers, mainly due to variations in rainfall during the growing season. The differences are seen in short distances as well, with the gap between farms as little as two kilometres apart ranging from 20 to 40 bushels.

The quality has been fairly decent overall. The majority of peas, lentils and durum are reporting as top quality.

Livestock producers are working to secure feed for the winter. Many cattle are coming back from pasture this week, one of the shortest grazing seasons many have seen in years. More straw bales are being reported as being put up this year compared to previous years.

Producers now are focussing on finishing combining the crop, while also moving cattle, baling straw, and planting the winter wheat crop.