According to the latest provincial crop report, crops around Estevan are benefitting from the warmer temperatures.
Mackenzie Hladun, crops extension specialist with Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture, says crops in the southeast are continuing to develop at mostly normal rates for this time of year.
"Pulse crops are the most ahead in development for this time of year with 22 per cent of the crop ahead of normal. Oilseeds are the furthest behind in development with 19 per cent of crops behind normal stages of development for this time of year."
Hladun notes haying is nearing completion with 69 per cent of the first cut of hay baled or silaged in the southeast, 14 per cent still standing and 17 per cent cut.
"The hay is of good quality and producers are not anticipating a second cut of hay this year," she commented. "Depending on the type of hay, hay yields are estimated to be between 1.8 and 1.1 tons per acre. That's 1.8 for greenfeed and 1.1 tons per acre for wild hay. Silage yields overall are estimated to be 5.3 tons per acre as well.":
Topsoil moisture continues to be a concern. Pockets of rain moved through the region this week with the highest amount being 28 mm in the Pense region.
"The warm weather seen throughout the region this week led to a decrease in soil moisture. Cropland topsoil moisture is 17 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is 12 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 46 per cent very short."
Hladun says crop damage this past week was mostly due to dry conditions and grasshoppers in the area. Producers are reminded to keep economic thresholds in mind when they're scouting for grasshoppers.
She adds there haven't been very many reports of crop diseases this year due to the warm temperatures.