A substantial amount of rainfall for west-central Saskatchewan was detailed in the Ministry of Agriculture's crop report for June 17-23.
Severe weather led to some of the highest amounts around the province, as the Macklin led the way at 108 mm with Wilkie just behind at 107 mm. Luseland received 96 mm of rain and then to the east another 90 mm fell in the Perdue area, just some of the notable totals around the region.
As a result of the rain, topsoil moisture saw a significant improvement. Within the region cropland topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 91 per cent adequate and five per cent short, hayland topsoil moisture is reported at two per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and one per cent very short, and similar conditions are being noticed for pasture topsoil moisture, reported at two per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and one per cent very short.
When it comes to excess moisture, five per cent of forage crops are dealing with conditions unlikely to produce a crop, though outside of that only one per cent of seeded land in the West Central region is unlikely to produce, and pastureland is staying safe from excess water as well.
Where there continues to be reduced moisture, 34 per cent of seeded crops are reported as struggling, and another 54 per cent of forage crops estimating that their yield will be significantly affected, 56 per cent of pastures in drier areas having their carrying capacity reduced.
Crops are developing normally, some further ahead than others due to the hot dry conditions. Leading the pack are fall cereals developing at 18 per cent ahead of normal, and then in last are oilseed crops currently coming in at 22 per cent behind normal.
Some livestock producers are still seeing problems in the water department. 23 per cent are feeling concerns regarding their water availability for livestock, the latest statistics showing moderate shortages in 23 per cent of livestock water sources.
Nine per cent of water sources are expected to experience shortages, and 68 per cent are not expected to experience shortages in the next few months, according to the crop report, as even more rain will be needed to fill the stocks for this fall, and hopefully an abundance of snow in the winter can get a good head start for next year.
Crop damage this week was caused by some excess moisture but also hail and wind making for moderate damage throughout the region. In some cases, the hail damage was severe, but for the most part overall it was light damage in local fields. Damage is still being assessed in some places, but the overall indication is that only isolated areas received severe damage.
Producers are spraying as the weather allows and monitoring pests to avoid any further issues. Ranchers are checking their fences with cattle out to pasture. Haying operations are also starting up with many people getting their equipment ready to go to collect much needed feed.
Check out more content from last weekend's nasty weather in the related stories below.