By Brian Konrad

Harvest starts early in southwest Saskatchewan

Jul 28, 2017 | 6:11 AM

REGINA, SK – Harvest has started earlier than normal in southwest Saskatchewan – due to the extremely dry conditions.
 
Yields on winter cereals and pulses are significantly lower than normal.
 
Crops have been damaged by high temperatures and a lack of rain – as well as strong winds, hail and the usual insect pests.
 
Many crops are heat stressed  with several areas receiving not much more than 2 to 3 inches of rain since April 1st.
 
Topsoil moisture in southwest Saskatchewan is either short or very short  with only 7 per cent reported as adequate.
 
It’s not much better for hay and pastureland either.