Warmer temperatures and less rain gave Saskatchewan producers room to spray and start haying, though the northwest saw some hail and moisture damage.
Warmer temperatures and lighter rain helped Saskatchewan crops catch up last week, though parts of the northwest, including the Lloydminster area, still saw damage from hail and excess moisture.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s latest crop report says producers in the east-central region, along with parts of the northeast and northwest, are reporting moderate to minor damage from excess moisture and hail.
Provincewide, drier conditions and more sunshine let fields dry out and gave producers a window to catch up on spraying. Haying also got underway, though high humidity is still slowing the drying process.
Isolated storms brought scattered rain and hail to parts of the province. The Prince Albert area recorded the heaviest rainfall at 88 millimetres, followed by 72 mm near Foam Lake. Blaine Lake and Redberry received 65 mm and 62 mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture is 17 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hayland moisture sits at 14 per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Pasture moisture is nine per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.
Development remains close to normal across most of the province. Fall cereals are furthest along, with 82 per cent at normal development. Spring cereals sit at 68 per cent normal, oilseeds at 63 per cent and pulse crops at 76 per cent.
Cereal crops are showing the highest share rated excellent this year, followed closely by oilseeds and pulses. Some crops in regions with surplus moisture are rated poor due to moisture stress.
Haying is progressing, with 10 per cent of the first cut baled or put up as silage and 20 per cent cut but not yet baled. The remaining 70 per cent is still standing. Hay quality is rated 27 per cent excellent and 66 per cent good.
Some producers have already started a second cut of hay, thanks to the recent rainfall.
Gophers caused additional crop damage this past week, though overall pest pressure remains low. Producers continue to apply fungicides and insecticides where excess moisture and humidity have created conditions favourable to disease.
Producers with crop or livestock questions can call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre toll free at 1-866-457-2377.
Read more: AB Crop Report: Wet weather stalls Lloyd-area crop growth
