Saskatchewan’s latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that persistent heat and low moisture levels are accelerating crop development across the province. The southeast region has experienced severe dryness, receiving only 2 mm of rain in July.
Producers in the area are preparing harvest equipment and desiccating pulse crops. Some have begun harvesting early-seeded pulses and cereals intended for feed.
Haying is nearly complete, with a second cut unlikely due to the dry conditions.
Topsoil moisture levels continue to decline. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as 34 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short, and 9 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 28 per cent adequate, 62 per cent short, and 10 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 25 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short, and 18 per cent very short.
Pasture conditions have worsened due to the heat and lack of moisture, with 30 per cent rated as good, 44 per cent fair, 21 per cent poor, and 5 per cent very poor.
The heat and moisture deficit have caused significant damage to crops over the past week. Gophers, grasshoppers, and aphids remain a concern, while wind has caused some lodging in crops, though no major damage has been reported.