The race against the elements has commenced for many producers across Saskatchewan, as they hurry to get the last of the fruits of their labour in the bin before the snow flies.

In the RM of Maryfield, this as much the case as any other area. However, it appears that they have been somewhat lucky throughout the summer.

"We're probably at about 95 percent complete. All that's left is a little bit of canola and some beans," said Reeve Cameron Thompson, adding that most of the cereals were off before the rain fell.

Now, those who are finished are engaged in the next step of the season, namely, getting ready for winter.

"Cleaning up sloughs, getting rid of cattails, putting down some fertilizer, spreading a little bit of chemical," Thompson shared.

While the arid conditions of the summer caused havoc with pasture and hayland, threatening livestock producers with the prospect of running out of feed, that doesn't seem to be the same case everywhere.

"I think the hay and pastures were alright. We got some rain there halfway through September, and that seemed to rejuevenate a lot."

As for the overall moisture situation, Thompson noted that they were generally dry, though better off than some other areas.

"The thing that saved us was that we started off the year with a huge amount of subsoil moisture, that's what mostly carried us through."

With the cooler temperatures, he added that they have seen some light frost make an appearance, though nothing killer yet.

Over the next few weeks producers will continue their efforts to prepare for the winter. However, although many express that they wish for some good rain or wet snow to replenish the soil, that sentiment doesn't seem to be present in the RM of Maryfield.

"We don't need snow or any rain right now. We're sitting pretty well, we can't complain," stated Thompson.