The Ministry of Agriculture shared in their latest crop report that most livestock producers have started their first hay cuts of the year, noting 10 per cent of the provinces hay crop out of the ground.
This time last year, wet and cool weather contributed to higher topsoil moisture levels than usual, delaying the hay cut. That's far from the case this year as six per cent of hay crops have been baled or silaged, the remaining 84 per cent still standing as producers are starting to turn their attention to a second cut.
The quality of hay is quite varied, the province as a whole reading 12 per cent excellent quality, 43 per cent good, 34 per cent fair, and 11 per cent poor. West-central Saskatchewan has been dry overall this year, and it's showing in quality with seven per cent rated at excellent quality, 40 per cent good, 40 per cent fair, and 13 per cent poor.
While the quality might not be there yet the progress is along with the provincial average. Steady progress on the first hay crop sees 13 per cent already cut, one per cent baled or silaged, and 86 per cent is still standing.
Hay will be extra important again this year with the dry weather heavily affecting pastureland. Topsoil moisture levels around the province are struggling, pastureland specifically reading a one per cent surplus with 44 per cent of land adequate, 32 per cent short of moisture, and 23 per cent very short.
More timely rain will be needed to boost the hay prospects for the year. While it's nice to have the first cut available, producers might wish the conditions were a little closer to this time last year when 86 per cent of pastureland was rated in good to excellent condition.