Varied moisture/crop conditions in Saskatchewan: report

Glacier FarmMedia — Varied precipitation across Saskatchewan has led to a wide range of crop conditions, with some of the areas that received moisture also dealing with hail damage, according to the latest provincial crop report for the week ended June 30.

The rains were most prevalent in the central and northern growing regions, while southern areas received limited rainfall. The lack of moisture was stressing crops while also accelerating development.

Approximately half of fall and spring cereal crops were in good condition, with most of the other half in fair to poor condition. For pulses, half to two-thirds of crops were in good condition, with most of the rest in fair condition. Most oilseed crops are in fair to good condition at the end of June.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions declined from the previous week, with cropland topsoil moisture rated at two per cent surplus, 66 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and nine per cent very short. For hay crops, topsoil moisture levels were two per cent surplus, 53 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and 17 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture levels in the province sat at one per cent surplus, 44 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and 23 per cent very short.

All crop types were further ahead of normal stages than they were last week. Fall cereal crops were the most advanced, followed closely by spring cereal and pulse crops. Oilseed and annual forage crops were the furthest behind their normal stages this year but are significantly further ahead than last year. In the southwest and northwest, crops are the most advanced in the province due to persistent hot and dry conditions this year. On the other hand, crops in the central regions were the furthest behind.

Livestock producers started their first cuts of hay, with 10 per cent of hay crops in the province cut, 84 per cent still standing and six per cent baled or silaged. Hay quality varies greatly, and producers were hoping for timely rain in the coming weeks to produce good second cuts.