Released on July 4, 2019
Scattered showers this past week 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.
The majority of crops in the province are in poor to good condition, but crop conditions have improved with the recent moisture.
Provincially, crops are behind to normal in their stages of development for this time of year. Sixty-six per cent of the fall cereals, 56 per cent of the spring cereals, 42 per cent of the oilseeds, and 70 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal developmental stages for this time of year.
Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to 81 mm in the Webb area.
Overall, topsoil moisture conditions changed little this week. Provincially, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as four per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, and 11 per cent short. Topsoil moisture on the hay land and pasture is rated as two per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, 21 per cent short, and one per cent very short at this time.
Haying operations are underway in much of the province. Livestock producers now have one per cent of the hay crop cut and one per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is currently rated as three per cent excellent, 20 per cent good, 40 per cent fair and 37 per cent poor. Producers have indicated that hay yields reported so far are significantly lower than average due to the lack of moisture this spring.
Though many pastures have improved with the recent moisture, they are expected to have a reduced carrying capacity. Livestock producers are looking for alternative feed sources.
In-crop herbicide applications are wrapping up in most areas and producers are applying fungicides where warranted.
The majority of crop damage this past week was from localized flooding, strong winds, hail, and insects such as grasshoppers. Farmers are busy with haying operations, repairing equipment, and scouting for insects and disease.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at www.saskatchewan.ca/crop-report. Follow the 2019 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
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For more information, contact:
Cory Jacob
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3587
Email: cory.jacob@gov.sk.ca