Saskatchewan farmers now have 97 per cent of the provincial crop in the ground, but now face the challenge of dry conditions.
Crop Extension Specialist Kim Stonehouse reports that moisture levels across the province have continued to decline, with the northeast being the hardest hit. "Cropland topsoil moisture in the northeast is reported at 22 per cent adequate, 56 per cent short, and 22 per cent very short. Hayland is at 19 per cent adequate, 58 per cent short, and 23 per cent very short, and pasture topsoil is at 14 per cent adequate, 59 per cent short, and 27 per cent very short," Stonehouse explained.
He notes provincially Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 46 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at one per cent surplus, 38 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 16 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is one per cent surplus, 31 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 20 per cent very short.
Despite the dry conditions, most areas of the province have seen good crop emergence, although late-seeded crops have faced some challenges. Stonehouse says crop conditions are generally rated as good to fair, with some crops in the drier northeast areas reported as poor.
Farmers are wrapping up seeding activities and are now focusing on in-crop spraying and land rolling when the weather permits. However, dry and windy weather continues to be a major concern for farmers.
In addition to the lack of rainfall, insects have also been causing crop damage. "So there's been some minor crop damage from flea beetles, cutworms, grasshoppers, and wireworms. Some producers are definitely taking control measures, but others are just sort of monitoring to see what the situation is like," Stonehouse said. Waterfowl and gophers have also been causing crop damage in some areas.
Saskatchewan's Weekly Crop Report can be found here.