The rainfall that fell over the weekend was viewed as positive by most producers, according to the latest Crop Report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Inside of the northeastern region, the rain and smokey weather have allowed crops to maintain their development and, in some cases, allowed crops to stand out.
However, scattered showers did cause some delays in haying and spraying operations.
The northwest corner of the region saw the most rainfall, as the Rosthern region received close to 50 mm. The Lake Lenore area received 28 mm.
Topsoil moisture was reported to increase throughout the region. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 58 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 51 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and 17 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 51 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and 16 per cent very short.
For the most part crop development remains normal, but in areas under the most stress from poor soil moisture conditions, crop development is still ahead of normal.
There were some delays to haying operations due to the rain. Twenty-nine per cent of the hay crop has received its first cut with 47 per cent baled or silaged. Hay quality is rated as 11 per cent excellent, 65 per cent good, and 24 per cent fair.
Some sections within the region reported minor to moderate damage from lack of moisture, heat, and wind. Minor crop damage was reported from flooding, hail, grasshoppers, flea beetles and gophers.
Disease has been noted in some areas with producers applying fungicides to suppress disease already present and proactively spraying to manage disease from developing.