Crop Report for July 16-22

Some areas in the province received rainfall last week, which helped address topsoil moisture conditions; however, significant rain is still needed in many areas to help crops, hay and pasture develop, according to the weekly Saskatchewan Agriculture Crop Report.

Topsoil moisture conditions remain dry despite the recent rain.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated two as per cent surplus, 46 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 14 per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 33 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 24 per cent very short.  Much of the hay is in poor condition and there are concerns about feed shortages.

The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products.  It is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing#bmk.

Crop development is delayed in many areas due to cool and dry weather.  Early seeded crops in drier areas are beginning to bolt and/or flower but remain short and thin.  Sixty-nine per cent of fall cereals, 58 per cent of spring cereals, 51 per cent of oilseeds and 57 per cent of pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year.

Crop damage this week was mainly caused by lack of moisture, hail, grasshoppers and flea beetles.

Farmers are busy controlling pests, hauling grain and beginning to cut hay.

East-Central Saskatchewan (Crop District 5 – Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas; Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas)

The region received varying amounts of rain this past week, ranging from trace amounts to 50 mm (Saltcoats), which has helped replenish soil moisture in many areas. However, more rain will be needed soon to help crops, hay and pasture develop. The Bradwell area leads the region in accumulated precipitation (115 mm) received since April 1.

The recent rain helped slow down soil moisture deterioration. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as four per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 47 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and nine per cent very short.

Reports indicate that crops are progressing well, with the exception of canola in some areas where germination was spotty. Forty per cent of seeded acres, 52 per cent of forages and 53 per cent of pasture acres are reported as being under moisture stress. The majority of crop damage this week was caused by lack of moisture, flea beetles and hail. Producers are busy controlling pests, hauling grain and getting haying equipment ready.