Southeast Saskatchewan experienced a mix of scattered showers and hail over the past week, but despite some localized rainfall, producers say more consistent moisture is needed to protect crops and support livestock as temperatures climb, according to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Producers are hoping for continued rainfall to help lessen the impact of anticipated heat on crop yields, support hayland regrowth, and improve pasture conditions for livestock.
Alida recorded the highest rainfall at 46 millimetres, while the Carnduff and Oxbow areas received 41 and 38 mm, respectively. The Bienfait area received 33 mm. Most other areas saw smaller amounts or no rainfall at all.
Despite the precipitation, topsoil moisture conditions declined this week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated 73 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and four per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is rated 69 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and five per cent very short. Similarly, pasture topsoil moisture is rated 69 per cent adequate, 27 per cent short and four per cent very short.
Crop conditions in the region have remained mostly stable since the last report. Most cereal crops are rated good to excellent. Flax and canola are mostly fair to good, while mustard is rated good to excellent.
Pulse crops are mostly good to excellent, with some rated fair.
Haying progressed throughout the region over the past week, with 80 per cent of the crop now cut and 58 per cent baled or put up as silage. Hay quality remains relatively high, with five per cent rated excellent, 70 per cent good, 23 per cent fair and two per cent poor.
Some operations have slowed due to recent rainfall, but others are moving on to a second cut where conditions allow.
Crop damage in the area has mainly been caused by heat stress and lack of moisture. Additional damage has been reported from hail, gophers, grasshoppers, flea beetles, pea leaf weevils and aphids.
Many producers have completed or are nearing completion of fungicide applications, as the window for application has closed for many crops.