The fall season has arrived without a doubt. This change of season is heralding the end of harvest across Saskatchewan.
According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, 73% of harvest has now been completed. In the southwest alone, 96% of this years crop is now in the bin.
Among the crops left to swath and combine, only 52% of canola and 35% of flax have been harvested thus far.
Recent rains have provided some much-needed moisture to Southern Saskatchewan. According to last week's report, 40% of topsoil moisture was short, and 21% was extremely short.
Several producers are hoping for additional rain to fall before temperatures dip below freezing to replenish soil moisture.
"Precipitation was generally welcomed after several weeks of dry weather. Concerns about field and equipment fires have eased and there is hope that the rain will be enough in some areas to allow pastures a little regrowth," reads the Ministry's crop report.
This year, conditions have varied greatly across the province, with the eastern half of the province seeing excellent top soil conditions due to adequate rainfall.
Herbicide application is part of post-harvest field activities for many farmers now that harvest is complete. Many, are also actively bailing and hauling straw.
In order to stay safe while driving on narrow roads and highways with many wide loads of bales, motorists should remain vigilant and be cautious of oncoming traffic.
"Fall run" is one of the busiest times for Saskatchewan livestock producers, who are now moving calves back from pasture and shipping them to local auctions.
Canfax reported a total of 11,600 head of cattle sold in Saskatchewan last week, up from 3,564 head the previous week. After a more stable summer for the cattle industry, livestock producers are more optimistic about this fall's cattle prices.
