Rain across most of the province has helped to alleviate dry topsoil moisture conditions. Areas in the southeast, which was one of the drier regions over the past couple of months, received large amounts that caused flooding. The moisture will help to replenish pasture and encourage hay growth.
Seeding operations are mostly complete, but there are a few fields being seeded for green feed and silage.
Germination is patchy in some regions due to dry conditions, but the recent rain has helped.
The northwestern region reported large amounts of rain this week. The St. Walburg area recorded 154 mm and the Barthel 93 mm. In the southwest, areas around Hazenmore received 100 mm. Areas around Lucky Lake, Outlook, Shaunavon, Dinsmore and Rosetown remain very dry, having received less than 25 mm of rain since April 1.
Topsoil moisture conditions have improved in much of the province, thanks to the recent rainfall. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as nine per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate, 15 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.
Crop conditions have improved with the recent moisture. The majority of crops are in good to fair condition. Provincially, 74 per cent of spring cereals, 70 per cent of oilseeds and 76 per cent of pulse crops are at normal stages of development for this time of year. Strong winds are slowing down in-crop weed control operations.
The majority of crop damage this past week was due to localized flooding, lack of moisture, hail, strong winds and insects such as flea beetles and cutworms.
Source : Government of Saskatchewan