Another summer in southeast Saskatchewan is preparing to come to a close, and that means that things get busy for producers across the region.

This is certainly true in the Rural Municipality of Reciprocity, as Reeve Alan Arthur shared an update regarding progress in the area.

"I think the winter crops are off now, and a good percentage of the peas. Some wheat, as well as barley, is being done as well so harvest is in full swing here."

Earlier this year, the seeds were sown with anxious eyes on the skies, as farmers worried that their fledgling crops would drown before getting a chance to flourish. However, the dry conditions over the last summer months changed that, with concern rising that the plants would die for lack of water. Now, farmers are back to hoping that the moisture stays away a little longer.

"The rain wouldn't help us right now. I think everybody wishes that it would stay pretty much the way it is, warm and windy," Arthur stated.

That said, he expressed strong optimism regarding this year's yield.

"I think we've got a good one. With the exception of the areas that got hailed, the majority of the crops are well above expectations."

With the warm weather months preparing to take their leave, however, frost may start to become a factor in the fields.

"We surely hope not. Traditionally, if you can get by Labor Day without a frost you're good for a couple more weeks. That'd be a bonus. There's some crops that would be hurt by that now, but every day we get away frost free is one more day towards maturity and less damage."

Looking ahead to the next couple of weeks, Arthur revealed the sentiment of the producers in the Reciprocity area and their common goal.

"Working to put some decent hours in on the combine, hurry maturity along and get 'er off in good shape before it gets late."

"I think everybody's just crossing their fingers, hoping that the weather stays good, the grains continue to mature and we can get it off dry," he concluded.