Producers in Saskatchewan’s west-central region faced a mixed bag of weather during the week of June 24 to 30, according to the Ministry of Agriculture's crop report, with crop development reflecting both the benefits and challenges that came with it. While some areas received timely rainfall, others remained dry, affecting crop growth and increasing stress on plants.
Thunderstorms delivered rain and hail to parts of Census Divisions 12 and 13, which include communities such as Biggar, Rosetown, Kindersley, and Macklin. Sonningdale reported the highest rainfall in the region at 48 millimetres, followed closely by Lizard Lake with 43 mm. Wilkie received 35 mm, and Purdue and Coleville each recorded 33 mm. Other areas saw more modest precipitation.
Despite the variability, the region continues to report some of the best topsoil moisture conditions in the province. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at one per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and 14 per cent short. Hayland topsoil is 82 per cent adequate and 18 per cent short, while pastureland is rated 80 per cent adequate and 20 per cent short.
Crop development is largely at normal stages, although a portion of crops remain behind seasonal averages. Annual forages show the most delay, with 31 per cent rated behind their normal stage. Oilseeds and pulse crops also show signs of lagging growth, with nearly one-fifth of these crops behind. In contrast, fall and spring cereals are showing stronger advancement, with 13 per cent ahead of normal stages.
Most crops are reported to be in good growing condition, and producers have started applying fungicides where needed to protect yield potential. Scouting for pests remains a priority as weather conditions continue to shift.
Livestock producers are also making early progress with haying. As of the end of June, 13 per cent of hay has been cut, one per cent has been baled or silaged, and 86 per cent remains standing. Hay quality varies across the region: seven per cent of hay is rated excellent, 40 per cent good, 40 per cent fair, and 13 per cent poor.
Crop damage in the region last week was primarily caused by environmental factors. Areas that received heavy rain over the past few weeks are seeing minor damage in low-lying spots, while others, particularly those that missed out on recent precipitation, are reporting moderate stress from dry conditions. Hail damage ranging from minor to moderate was also reported in localized areas.
Producers are hopeful that continued rainfall will support crop and forage growth through July, while they continue balancing pest management, haying operations, and field assessments.