Northwestern Saskatchewan

Census Division 16 – Blaine Lake, Canwood, North Battleford, Radisson and Spiritwood areas
Census Division 17 – Glaslyn, Maidstone, Meadow Lake, Pierceland and St. Walburg areas

For the Period June 18 to 24, 2024

A few areas within the region note that the recent rain stopped any further seeding from happening. In-crop applications continue when the weather allows, and producers are monitoring for insect and disease pressure. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week and caused significant damage in some areas from hail and strong winds.

Rain fell throughout the region in varying amounts. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Prince Albert area at 38 mm followed by the North Battleford area at 34 mm. The Meadow Lake area recorded 26 mm. Areas on the west side of the region recorded less than 10 mm for the week.

Topsoil moisture remains adequate condition for the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at six per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and four per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.

Crop development continues to be delayed due to cooler temperatures and excess moisture throughout the region. The majority of crops have fallen further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is fall cereal crops at 66 per cent behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. This is followed by annual forages at 54 per cent and oilseeds at 51 per cent behind their normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table

Livestock producers rate hay quality as 100 per cent good within the region. Two per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region currently.

Wind, excess moisture and hail caused crop damage in areas throughout the region with a few areas reporting severe damage. Producers indicate that the excess moisture has caused minor flowing in areas of fields that have standing water. 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 flea beetle damage is being reported in the region.

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