Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are implementing contingency plans to minimize the impacts of postal service disruption.

Les ministères, sociétés d’État et organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan mettent en œuvre des plans d’urgence (en anglais) visant à réduire les répercussions de l’interruption du service des postes.

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Crop Report For The Period July 16 To July 22, 2024

Released on July 25, 2024

Another hot, dry week has many producers concerned about their crops especially in the southern and western portions of the province. Multiple hot days during the critical flowering stage of many crops has likely lowered yield potential in some areas. Producers are hopeful they will receive rain soon to aid with seed filling as harvest is fast approaching. There are a few reports that crops in the driest areas of the province, mostly early seeded pulses and cereals, are close to being ready for harvest.

The persistent high temperatures and low amounts of rainfall continue to push topsoil moisture backwards in the province. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 50 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is rated as 45 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Lastly, pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 36 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. Livestock producers would like to see rain soon to ensure their pastures can support their animals through the end of the growing season.

Minor rainfall was received throughout the province this past week. These rains were too small to give crops a large break from the heat stress. The Macklin area reported the most rain this week with 20 mm, followed by the Shaunavon area with 17 mm. There were a handful of areas that received less than 10 mm of rain over the past week.

The continued heat wave has pushed crop conditions to decline, but thankfully, producers are reporting conditions are better than this time compared to recent growing seasons. However, if the heat persists crops will continue to decline and yield potential will fall. Most crops are rated fair to good with the lowest rated crops coming from the southwest, west central and parts of the southeast where conditions are driest.

Haying operations are almost complete with 18 per cent standing, 27 per cent cut and 55 per cent baled or put up as silage. Hay quality is rated as 25 per cent excellent, 65 per cent good, nine per cent fair and one per cent poor. A second cut of hay is not likely unless a substantial amount of rain is received soon to allow for adequate regrowth. In many areas haying has been slowed due to the extreme heat and the concern over baler fires.

The heat, dry conditions, gophers, grasshoppers and aphids were the most reported sources of crop damage this week. Canola is especially sensitive to heat while flowering and producers are concerned about how their crops will fair during this period. Cereals also appear to have been affected by the extreme heat. Fungicide applications are wrapping up as crops grow past the optimum application timing, though producers will still be trying to control pests such as grasshoppers and aphids up until harvest. Producers whose crops are furthest along are beginning to get their equipment ready and they are reminded to be safe during their harvest operations. Please remember to use every precaution available for fire prevention as the extremely dry conditions increase the risk of combine and grass fires.

A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online - Download Crop Report. 

Follow the 2024 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture. 

-30-



For more information, contact:

Meghan Rosso
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3721
Email: meghan.rosso@gov.sk.ca

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve