The July 29-August 4 crop report courtesy of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is sharing that most crops around the province are seeing rapid development due to recent hot, and rainy conditions, but that's not exactly the case for West Central.
Scattered showers will help fill in crops according to the report, but it went on to say that "more timely rains are needed to fulfill yield potential" as harvest approaches. Cloudy skies have dominated the region, but rainfall has remained variable with Milden and Marengo leading the way at 44 and 38 mm of rain respectively, a few areas getting around 10 mm, while most areas only received negligible amounts.
The graphic above shows that spring cereals, oilseeds and perennial forages are the most behind normal development stages, though with a majority of crops at their normal pace the risk outlook is minuscule compared to the rest of the province according to the report, another added bonus being that most local crops are still developing and haven’t reached maturity yet.
As for topsoil moisture levels, they remained above the provincial average with cropland topsoil moisture at 69 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and two per cent very short, hayland topsoil moisture coming in at 67 per cent adequate, 31 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture levels are 65 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and two per cent very short in the latest report, making for some of the best pasture conditions in the province according to the ministry report. 52 per cent of pastures are in good condition, 38 per cent are fair, leaving only 10 per cent looking poor.
The West Central region has also been lucky enough to stay away from bad pest damage. Only minor crop damage was reported last week, the culprit being a few isolated thundershowers that at least dumped some rain on it's way through.