Northeastern Saskatchewan

Census Division 14 – Choiceland, Hudson Bay, Kelvington, Melfort, and Nipawin areas
Census Division 15 – Cudworth, Humboldt, Kinistino, Prince Albert, Rosthern and St. Brieux areas

For the Period June 18 to 24, 2024

With seeding finishing within the region, producers note that some acres won’t be seeded this year due to the excess moisture. In-crop applications continue when the weather allows but the current moisture conditions are causing challenges with ruts being created in fields from equipment. Producers are monitoring for insect and disease pressure. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week that caused significant damage in some areas from hail and strong winds.

The amount of rain varied considerably throughout the region with some areas reporting significant amounts and other areas reporting less than 10 mm for the week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the St. Brieux area at 76 mm followed by the Rosthern area at 57 mm and the Lake Lenore area at 42 mm.

Topsoil moisture remains adequate for the region with a slight reduction in the surplus amount. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 27 per cent surplus and 73 per cent adequate. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 19 per cent surplus and 81 per cent adequate. Pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent surplus and 83 per cent adequate.

Cooler temperatures and excess moisture continue to slow crop development throughout the region. Most crops are showing increases but are still falling behind their normal stages of development for this time of year. The furthest behind is oilseed crops at 51 per cent behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. This is followed closely by fall cereals at 45 per cent and spring cereals at 43 per cent behind their normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good to fair throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.

Livestock producers are rating hay quality as 46 per cent excellent, 51 per cent good and three per cent fair. Two per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region with one per cent baled or silaged currently.

Wind, excess moisture and hail caused crop damage in areas throughout the region with a few areas reporting severe damage. Crops in low lying areas are showing signs of stress (yellowing) due to excess moisture and in some areas are unlikely to recover. Some re-seeding has been done in previously drowned out areas of field. With the frequent rainfall producers continue to note the development of root rot and some producers are spraying fungicides to control the current leaf disease pressure. Frost was also reported but with minor overall crop damage. Minor to moderate flea beetle damage is being reported in the region with a few smaller areas showing severe damage.

For more information about Northeastern Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.