Southwestern Saskatchewan

Census Division 3 – Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Mankota, Ponteix and Rockglen areas
Census Division 4 – Cadillac, Consul, Eastend, Maple Creek and Val Marie areas
Census Division 7 – Beechy, Central Butte, Craik, Herbert, Hodgeville and Moose Jaw areas
Census Division 8 – Cabri, Elrose, Fox Valley, Leader, Swift Current and Tompkins areas

For the Period June 18 to 24, 2024

In-crop spray applications within the region continue as the weather allows and producers are monitoring for insect and disease pressure. Livestock producers are getting machinery ready with some haying operations just starting within the region. Isolated storms moved throughout the region this week causing overall minor damage to crops from hail and wind with a small area reporting moderate to severe damage within the region.

Rain fell in higher amounts on the east side of the region with the highest rainfall recorded in the Caronport area of 49 mm followed by the Mossbank area at 35 mm. The Admiral area received 17 mm and the Tyner area received 10 mm. Many areas of the region received less than 10 mm with some areas receiving no rainfall for the past week.

Topsoil moisture conditions fell within the region this week due to lack of rainfall in areas. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 79 per cent adequate and 21 per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 78 per cent adequate, 21 per cent short and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 69 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Crop development continues to be slow due to the cooler temperatures. The majority of the crops throughout the region have fallen slightly further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is oilseed crops at 20 per cent behind the normal stages of development. Perennial forages are the furthest advanced in development at 12 per cent ahead of the 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.

Pastures are reported in overall good condition but moisture will be needed within the region over the coming weeks. Livestock producers are rating hay quality as 42 per cent excellent, 54 per cent good and four per cent fair. Five per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut with three per cent baled or silaged within the region.

Crop damage was reported across the region for various reasons. Minor crop damage was reported from excess moisture received in some areas to lack of moisture received in others. Overall minor hail and wind damage was reported but a small area reported moderate to severe damage on the far east side of the region. Gophers continue to cause damage within the region with reports of areas that have severe damage and needed to be re-seeded. Grasshopper and flea beetles are causing minor to moderate crop damage with some areas reporting severe crop damage. Control measures are being taken when needed on a field-by-field basis. Producers continue to note the development of root rot and leaf disease in some crops throughout the region.

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