According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report for July 29th to August 4th, harvest is at the top of mind for southeast producers, with many currently preparing equipment and grain storage for the incoming crop.
Many crops are progressing nicely in the southeast, but need timely rain over the next couple of weeks to support seed development.
Last week was a dry week, with only a couple of areas receiving notable rain. The Big Beaver area got the most rain with 21 mm, followed by the Radville area with 14 mm. The rest of the southeast had very little rainfall.
Consequently, topsoil moisture levels fell slightly from last week, but conditions remain largely sufficient. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated 69 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short, and five per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 64 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short, and four per cent very short. Finally, pasture topsoil moisture is 62 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and five per cent very short.
Most crops are at normal growth stages for early August due to the relatively stable moisture conditions throughout the growing season. Currently, fall cereal crops are the furthest ahead and oilseed crops are the furthest behind in crop development.
Most crops are still developing and are not ready to harvest. However, some winter cereal and early seeded pulse crops are reaching maturity and 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 small progress, less than one per cent of crops in the southeast have been harvested.
Livestock producers are noting that most pastures are in fair to good condition. Currently, three per cent of pastures are in excellent condition, 31 per cent are good, 53 per cent are fair, 12 per cent are poor and a mere one per cent are in very poor condition.
The hot, dry conditions account for the minor crop damage reported last week, with only a few stressed crops reported.
See the provincial crop report HERE.