Dry conditions in the Humboldt region allowed producers to make significant progress with haying this week, while cooler temperatures provided some relief for flowering crops. However, with a stretch of heat looming, producers are hoping for rain soon to support crop yields, encourage hayland regrowth, and improve pastures for livestock.
Rainfall was scarce across the area. The highest recorded amounts were 12 mm in both the Kelvington and Vonda areas, with Rosthern receiving 11 mm. Most other locations received little to no rain, further stressing soil moisture levels. Producers are hopeful that more precipitation will arrive soon to support crop development and seed filling.
The continued dry spell led to declining topsoil moisture ratings. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated at 49 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short, and 15 per cent very short. Hayland moisture sits at 44 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short, and 20 per cent very short. Pastureland follows a similar trend, rated at 43 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short, and 19 per cent very short.
As a result, overall crop conditions have slipped since the previous report. While many fields are still rated fair to good, there has been a noticeable drop in the number of acres rated good.
Haying is nearing completion across the Humboldt region, with 94 per cent of the crop cut and 70 per cent either baled or put into silage. Hay quality is generally holding up well, with seven per cent rated excellent, 59 per cent good, 31 per cent fair, and three per cent poor. Some producers have started a second cut where conditions permit.
The heat and dry weather have caused minor to moderate stress in some areas. There have also been isolated reports of damage from wind, hail, gophers, and grasshoppers. In response to disease pressures, many producers have been applying fungicides and continue to monitor their fields closely.