EAST CENTRAL — Scattered showers this past week, June 25 to July 1, brought more moisture to many areas of the province.
Although this additional rainfall has alleviated concerns of dry conditions in some areas, more will be needed to help crops develop.
Northeastern Saskatchewan
Scattered showers this past week brought rain to many areas of the region.
Crops in the region remain in poor to good condition and are behind or at their normal crop developmental stages. Sixty-six per cent of the fall cereals, 74 per cent of the spring cereals, 46 per cent of the oilseeds and 80 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal developmental stages for this time of year.
Rain fell across the region this past week, ranging from trace amounts to 58 millimetres in the Star City area. The Hudson Bay area received nine millimetres, the Arborfield area 24 millimetres, the Vonda area 20.2 millimetres and the Bruno and Melfort areas 11 millimetres. The Melfort area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (189 millimetres).
Topsoil moisture conditions remain stable. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and one per cent very short. Crop District 8B is reporting that 84 per cent of cropland and 76 per cent of hay land and pasture have adequate topsoil moisture at this time.
Haying is underway, and eight per cent of the hay crop has now been cut and one per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 11 per cent excellent, 22 per cent good, 45 per cent fair and 22 per cent poor. Many producers have indicated that there will be below average hay yields, but pasture conditions have improved.
Herbicide applications are wrapping up and fungicide applications are taking place on some early seeded crops. The majority of crop damage this past week was from localized flooding and strong winds.
Producers are busy hauling grain, haying and repairing equipment.
East Central Saskatchewan
Scattered rain fell throughout the region this past week, and crops are advancing with the recent moisture and warm weather. Producers indicate that more moisture is needed to carry the crops through the next few weeks.
Regionally, crop conditions are poor to good and the majority of crops are behind or at their normal development stages. Sixty-nine per cent of the fall cereals, 46 per cent of the spring cereals, 28 per cent of the oilseeds and 64 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal crop stages for this time of year.
Precipitation this past week ranged from trace amounts to 67 millimetres in the Rocanville area. The Saltcoats area received 19 millimetres, the Raymore area, 23 millimetres, the Rhein area four millimetres, the Craik area 57 millimetres and the Allan area 23 millimetres. The Ituna area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (181 millimetres).
Topsoil moisture conditions remain similar to last week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and two per cent very short. Crop District 5B is reporting that 75 per cent of the cropland and hay land and pasture have adequate topsoil moisture at this time.
Haying is beginning. One per cent of the hay crop cut has been cut and one per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as eight per cent good, 38 per cent fair and 54 per cent poor. Hay crops and pasture have improved with the recent rain, but hay yields are expected to be lower than average and pastures’ livestock carrying capacity has been reduced.
In-crop herbicide applications are wrapping up and fungicide applications will get underway shortly. The majority of crop damage this past week was from strong winds, hail and localized flooding.
Farmers are busy haying and controlling pests.
The crop report is provided weekly by the Government of Saskatchewan
