Crop report: Drier parts of Sask. set to start harvest soon

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture is reporting that crops are growing rapidly in much of the province.

The provincial crop report for the period of July 17-23 was released Thursday morning.

Overall, most crops were reported to be in fair to excellent condition depending on the amount of rain they had in the last few weeks.

According to the province, pulse and winter cereal fields in drier areas were quickly drying down, with some producers already starting desiccation and planning to begin harvest in the next few weeks.

Precipitation over the period covered by the report ranged from no rainfall in some areas to 71 millimetres in the area around Craik.

Dry conditions remained an issue in southern and central parts of the province, with significant rainfall needed for later-seeded crops to fill out.

Overall, two per cent of cropland topsoil was rated as having a surplus of moisture. Fifty-one per cent had adequate moisture while 35 per cent was short and 12 per cent very short.

On the livestock side, the province noted many parts of Saskatchewan were seeing reduced hay yields, with supplies expected to be tight this year in some areas.

Most producers reported they would not be getting a second cut of hay this year.

One per cent of hay land and pasture topsoil moisture was rated as having surplus moisture, with 44 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 19 per cent very short.

Livestock producers had 63 per cent of the hay crop either baled or put into silage, with another 19 per cent cut and ready for baling.

Most crop damage reported was due to hot temperatures, strong winds, hail and lack of rain. Some areas also saw crops affected by localized flooding.

The province noted grasshoppers and diseases such as root rot and leaf spots had also been reported in some parts of Saskatchewan.