West-Central Saskatchewan

Census Division 12 – Biggar, Delisle, Rosetown and Sonningdale areas
Census Division 13 – Cut Knife, Kerrobert, Kindersley, Macklin, Plenty and Wilkie 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. Fence checking continues as cattle are out to pasture. Haying operations are just starting within the region with many producers getting machinery ready. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week and caused damage from hail and strong winds. Producers are still assessing the extent of damage to crops but overall are reporting minor to moderate crop damage with a few isolated areas reporting severe damage.

Rain was variable throughout the region over the past week with higher rainfall amounts reported in the southeast corner of the region. The Macrorie and Conquest areas reported the highest amounts for the region at 50 mm and 43 mm respectively. The Rosetown area reported 35 mm. The majority of other areas within the region reported below 10 mm for the week.

Topsoil moisture fell slightly within the region this week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 95 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at one per cent surplus, 93 per cent adequate and six per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is one per cent surplus, 92 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.

Crop development continues to be slow due to the cooler temperatures. Most 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 fall cereal crops at 46 per cent behind the normal stages of development and spring cereals and oilseeds which are both reported at 41 per cent behind. 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 good condition and livestock producers are rating hay quality as 21 per cent excellent, 72 per cent good and seven per cent fair. Only one per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region.

Excess moisture, frost and hail caused minor to moderate crop damage in areas throughout the region. Some crops in low lying areas are drowned out due to the excess moisture. Producers are hopeful that crops will be able to recover from the hail due to the delayed stages of development they are currently in. Minor crop damage due to wind was reported for the past week. Gophers, flea beetles and grasshoppers continue to cause minor to moderate crop damage with a few smaller areas reporting severe damage. Producers are continuing to monitor for crop disease with some fungicides being applied to slow current disease development.

For more information about West-Central Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.