Unsettled weather affecting crop development in Saskatchewan

Crops in Saskatchewan are in differing stages of development due to differing types of weather.

“The majority of crops this week are in fair to good condition,” the Ministry of Agriculture’s crop report said Thursday.

“Producers noted that some crops won’t recover due to dry conditions in some areas and being drowned out in others. Those in areas that received adequate rainfall and temperatures throughout the season say their crops are in excellent condition.”

The report noted areas that are still getting rain need warm and dry conditions to help crops develop, while areas in the southwest and west-central regions need more precipitation if their crops are to grow.

Across the province, 64 per cent of the fall cereals, 58 per cent of the spring cereals, 51 per cent of the oilseed crops and 72 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 69 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and four per cent very poor. Hay and pasture land is considered five per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and five per cent very short.

The report said haying operations that were delayed by rain will start soon. Producers have 16 per cent of the hay crop cut while eight per cent has been baled or put into silage.

Hay quality is rated as 19 per cent excellent, 62 per cent good, 17 per cent fair and two per cent poor.

Any crop damage that was reported during the week was due to dry conditions, grasshoppers, gophers, flooding, strong winds and hail.