Crop development is varying across the province, but drier areas are seeing crops rapidly advance due to warm temperatures, according to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Crops seeded early are nearing maturity in most regions, and rain likely won’t benefit those crops at this stage. However, producers are still hoping for precipitation to support grain fill in later-seeded crops.
Thunderstorms and rainfall have been hit-and-miss across the province. Last week, the Old Wives area received the most rainfall with 132 mm, followed by the Vanguard area with 119 mm and the Cadillac area with 95 mm.
Crops in areas that received significant rainfall are generally developing at normal stages, while moisture-stressed crops are progressing ahead of typical growth timelines.
Topsoil moisture levels have declined over the past week. Provincial cropland topsoil moisture was rated as five per cent surplus, 54 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and eight per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture was four per cent surplus, 48 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture for the past week was rated at four per cent surplus, 52 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.
Some producers have started harvest early, with one per cent of crops harvested, primarily in the southwest.
Minor crop damage was reported in areas that experienced high temperatures and dry conditions. Additional minor damage was caused by grasshoppers, wind and wildlife.
With producers preparing for or beginning harvest, motorists are reminded there will be an increase in large farm equipment on public roadways.
Drivers are asked to be patient and exercise caution when encountering agricultural equipment on the road.