Southeast Saskatchewan's growing conditions are becoming increasingly erratic.
Some farmers are experiencing crop damage from the heat and dry soil while others are enjoying favourable conditions and sufficient precipitation.
The heat and widespread lack of rain have the most detrimental effects on crops grown on lighter, sandier soils. While the region's crop appears to be healthy overall, producers are concerned about how rapidly conditions can worsen in the impending July heat without widespread rain.
In the region, 69% of the fall cereals, 73% of the spring cereals, 66% of the oilseed crops, and 70% of the pulse crops are at their typical phases of growth. Crop conditions in the area range from fair to excellent, with 66% of the lentils and 63% of the spring wheat and canola currently in good condition.
Over the past week, there have been scattered, intense downpours, with some of the province's greatest weekly rainfall totals ever recorded. While Whitewood and Weyburn only received about 30 mm, the Bienfait area received 51 mm. Estevan got 10.6 mm - all on Monday.
The farmers appreciated the moisture, but in other places, it has led to significant flooding.
Cropland topsoil moisture levels are classified as 2% surplus, 75% adequate, 20% short, and 3% very short. The topsoil moisture of hay and pasture land is classified as 1% surplus, 58% adequate, 39% short, and 2% very short.
Rainy and humid weather caused a day or two's delay in haying. 10% of the hay crop is harvested, while another 3% is baled or turned into silage. The ratings for hay quality are 28% excellent and 72% good.
This week, flooding, hail, gophers, and insect pests including cutworms and grasshoppers caused the most crop damage. Many farmers have already sprayed fields to limit grasshopper populations and lessen the damage they are doing to crops. Gopher populations are increasing again, and producers have noticed that they have severely damaged several fields.