Crops in southeast Saskatchewan are progressing well, according to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, but rain is needed over the next couple of weeks to support seed development.
Harvest is top of mind for producers, with many preparing equipment and grain storage for the incoming crop.
Last week was a dry one, with only a few areas receiving notable amounts of rain. The Big Beaver area recorded the most with 21 millimetres, followed by the Radville area with 14 millimetres. The rest of the region received very little precipitation.
As a result, topsoil moisture levels fell slightly from the previous week, though conditions remain largely sufficient. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as 69 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short, and five per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is rated as 64 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and four per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture sits at 62 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and five per cent very short.
Most crops have reached typical growth stages for early August, thanks to relatively stable moisture conditions throughout the growing season.
Currently, fall cereal crops are the furthest behind in development. While most crops are still developing and not yet ready for harvest, some winter cereals and early-seeded pulse crops are beginning to reach maturity and are starting to be harvested.
Seven per cent of fall rye, two per cent of lentils and one per cent of peas have been harvested. Despite this progress, less than one per cent of all crops in the southeast have been harvested to date.
Livestock producers report that most pastures are in fair to good condition. Three per cent of pastures are rated as excellent, 31 per cent good, 53 per cent fair, 12 per cent poor and one per cent very poor.
Only a small amount of crop damage was reported last week, with some crops showing stress from hot and dry conditions. However, the damage was considered minor to moderate.