Hot conditions across much of Saskatchewan pushed crops ahead rapidly last week, though the heat helped some fields catch up while stressing others in drier areas.
Crop conditions remain variable across the province, with most crops still rated in good condition overall.
Humid weather slowed haying in places, though producers in the south made progress, with some wrapping up entirely. Fungicide application is winding down for later-seeded crops, and some producers are turning their attention to harvest prep.
Rainfall was limited outside a few scattered thunderstorms. The Coleville area received the most precipitation at 25 millimetres, followed by Calder at 24 millimetres and Rabbit Lake at 22 millimetres.
Provincewide, winter wheat is rated 79 per cent good to excellent, spring wheat 87 per cent and canola 77 per cent. Pulse crops are running lower, with roughly two-thirds to three-quarters rated good to excellent and a notable share still in fair or poor condition due to earlier moisture stress.
Topsoil moisture continues to slide with the dry weather. Cropland is rated 27 per cent short and 1 per cent very short. Hayland sits at 31 per cent short, and pasture at 36 per cent short and 4 per cent very short.
Sask. Producers have baled or turned into silage half their first cut of hay, with 28 per cent cut and in swath and 22 per cent still standing. First-cut hay quality is rated 29 per cent excellent and 62 per cent good.
In the west-central region of Sask., including the Kindersley, Biggar and Wilkie areas, another hot, dry week pushed crop development along quickly. Later-seeded oilseed crops still in flower were hit hardest by the heat.
Producers in the west-central region are further along on haying than the provincial average, with 58 per cent of first-cut hay already baled or silaged. Hot temperatures and drying soil remain the main source of stress there, though insect and disease pressure was reported as negligible.
Producers with crop or livestock questions can call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre toll free at 1-866-457-2377.
Read more: Warm, dry week helps Sask. crops catch up
