While the crop conditions in southeast Saskatchewan were reported as good in the weekly crop report released Thursday morning by the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, there is hope for some much-needed precipitation in the coming weeks.
The report showed the majority of crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year, and the conditions were helped by the excess moisture received in the spring. In terms of development, the fall cereals are the most advanced as 20 percent of this year’s crop was reported as ahead of the normal stage of development for this time of year. Oilseeds are the crop rated as the most behind, with 19 percent behind the normal stages of development.
When looking at the conditions of the crops, peas and lentils continue to be in the best shape. The weekly release showed 20 percent of peas were in excellent condition and 49 percent were in good condition, while lentils were reported as 15 percent in excellent condition and 59 percent in good condition. In terms of the crops that appear to be struggling, winter wheat, fall rye, spring wheat and durum were rated as 10 to 14 percent in poor condition.
The lack of widespread rain in recent weeks has led to a deterioration in the topsoil moisture levels. The past week didn’t help the situation either, with trace amounts reported in most areas, and Avolnlea receiving the most rain with five millimetres. The topsoil moisture for cropland was rated as 21 percent adequate, 65 percent short and 14 percent very short in the southeast. Hay and pasture land were rated as 17 percent adequate, 62 percent short and 22 percent very short.
The dry conditions have helped producers with their hay crop, though. In the past week, it was reported 50 percent of the first cut has been baled or is in silage, while 23 percent is cut, and the other 27 percent is still standing. The quality of the first cut is said to be good.
Some crop damage was reported in the area over the past week, thanks primarily to heat stress and dry conditions. However, there were some issues reported due to one particular pest: grasshoppers.