Prolonged rains in the Canadian prairies are delaying the harvesting

According to the provincial crop report for the period from September 8 to 14, 32% of crops have been threshed in Saskatchewan compared to the 70% average (the source indicates 71% average). Widespread rains caused the work stoppage. Davidson farmer Rob Stone noted that about eight inches of precipitation have fallen since late August, making it difficult to find dry crops for combine harvesting. According to him, part of the harvest will require rescue due to moisture or lodging.

In Alberta, as of September 8, 21% of all crops had been harvested, while the five-year provincial average is 43.5%. A local report indicates that rainy weekends and cool weather slowed down the pace and could impair grain quality. The largest lag — 36% compared to 2025 — was recorded in the north-western and north-eastern regions.

In Manitoba, according to the report dated September 15, figures vary by region: 27% and 19% have been harvested in the south-western and north-western parts respectively, while 62% of the harvest has been threshed in the eastern region, 59% in the central region, and 47% in the Interlake area. According to Jonathan Hodson, a livestock producer, grain grower, and chairman of the Manitoba Crop Alliance board, due to the August bad weather, farmers will have to incur additional costs for grain drying for its subsequent sale.

Ranjan Sri Ranjan, a professor and acting head of the Biosystems Engineering Department at the University of Manitoba, explained that standing water in the fields damages crops. Surface drainage is not an ideal solution as it leads to the loss of productive soil. Using tile drainage could help in wet summer conditions, but its cost ranges from $1,800 to $2,000 per acre. In addition, driving heavy machinery over wet soil causes its compaction, which negatively affects yield in the long term.