The Ministry of Agriculture's latest crop report shows that hot, dry weather has producers worried about their crops, particularly in the southern and western parts of the province.
The southeast has continued to experience hot, dry conditions, which have quickened crop development and resulted in deteriorating crop conditions, particularly where lower amounts of precipitation have been received.
Rain is needed to reduce the impact of the heat on crop yields, aid hayland regrowth, and improve pasture lands that support livestock.
No rainfall was reported in the southeast this week, with some producers saying crops have turned quickly, and they may be harvesting as early as next week. Topsoil moisture conditions continue to drop week after week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 52 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short, and six per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is rated at 46 per cent adequate, 46 per cent short, and eight per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 40 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short, and nine per cent very short.
Crop conditions in the southeast have continued to decline due to the heat and dry growing conditions. Wheat, durum, barley, canola, and lentils are rated to be in fair to good condition; however, if the weather does not improve, there will be a further increase in poor and very poor-rated crops.
Haying has been slow in the region this past week, with 27 per cent of the crop now cut and 46 per cent of it baled or put up as silage. Hay has remained with a rating of 20 per cent excellent, 64 per cent good, and 16 per cent fair.
Some producers have begun harvest operations by cutting the most mature crops or applying desiccants.
The most reported causes of crop damage were heat, dry conditions, gophers, grasshoppers, and aphids.
Canola, which is particularly sensitive to heat as it flowers, has producers concerned about how these crops will fare. Cereals have also been affected by extreme heat.
Fungicide applications are nearly complete as crops grow past the optimum application timing. Producers will continue to monitor crops for pests such as grasshoppers and aphids until harvest.
As crops continue to develop and producers begin to prepare equipment for harvest, the ministry reminds them to exercise caution as the risk of combine and grass fires is high this time of year.