Producers are reporting varied growing conditions throughout the province. Some areas have crops progressing nicely, while others continue to struggle with dry conditions, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s weekly crop report.
The Hanley area received the most rain in the past week with 44 millimetres, followed by the Serath area with 33 mm, Lampman with 32 mm and the Semans area with 28 mm.
Other areas did receive some much-needed rainfall over the past week, but more moisture will be needed in the coming weeks.
Crop staging varies throughout the province due to the scattered showers.
“Some fields across the province are relatively uniform in their staging. Those are fairly easy to deal with, but there are definitely others that have very inconsistent staging due to the dry conditions we experienced early on in the growing season. This is making spray timings — for example, fungicide — very challenging,” said crops extension specialist Kim Stonehouse.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at 55 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Hayland moisture is 43 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. Meanwhile, pasture topsoil moisture is 33 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 27 per cent very short.
Livestock producers are making progress with their first cut of hay, with 28 per cent cut and 22 per cent baled or silaged.
“Quality varies throughout the province, with 11 per cent of the first hay cut being excellent quality, 48 per cent good, 30 per cent fair, and 11 per cent poor,” Stonehouse said.
Hot and dry conditions have caused widespread damage to crops, though the damage is considered minor in many areas. Wind has also caused damage, along with hail. Grasshoppers, gophers and cabbage seed pod weevils have also reportedly caused minor damage.
Through July, producers will continue to scout crops for staging and pests, and apply insecticides and fungicides as necessary. However, farmers are hoping for some timely rainfall.