Heat helping crops develop quickly in Saskatchewan

The recent heat wave in Saskatchewan could mean harvest will happen earlier than normal in the province.

In the weekly crop report released Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture said crops have advanced quickly due to the hot, humid conditions. If the heat continues and there isn’t any rain, crops could be ready for harvest ahead of schedule.

However, the ministry said some producers have reported “heat blasting” which could affect their yields. Other crops were damaged during the week by hail, thunderstorms and tornadoes.

“Canola across the province has suffered from the heat and humidity,” said the report, which also noted the humidity has slowed haying operations.

Across the province, 74 per cent of fall cereals, 65 per cent of spring cereals, 61 per cent of oilseeds and 74 per cent of pulse crops are at their normal stage of development for this time of year.

“Producers have indicated that cereals are heading out and are hopeful that the head will fill now that moisture is adequate in many areas,” the report said. “Canola is flowering and podding throughout the province.”

Cropland topsoil moisture is considered nine per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and eight per cent very short.

Livestock producers have 41 per cent of the hay crop cut and 32 per cent baled or put into silage.

In addition to heat and hail, crops in the province also were damaged by high winds, a lack of moisture, grasshoppers and gophers.

The report said some farmers will be looking at their fields to see which are worth the effort and cost of spraying for grasshoppers.