Growing conditions throughout Saskatchewan continue to vary. Rainfall and warm temperatures in some areas are allowing crops to progress nicely, while other areas continue to experience dry conditions which is stressing crops and leading to rapid development.
There was less rainfall last week than the week prior, with the Hanley area receiving the most in the province with 44 millmetres (mm). The Serath area received the second highest rainfall with 33 mm, followed closely by the Lampman and Semans areas with 32 mm and 28 mm, respectively. Other areas received much needed rainfall, but producers are hoping for more in the coming weeks.
Limited rainfall in many areas has caused soil moisture levels to drop since last week. Currently, provincial cropland topsoil moisture is 55 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. For hayland, topsoil moisture is 43 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. Finally, moisture levels in pasture topsoil is 33 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 27 per cent very short.
Crop staging varies throughout the province and within regions as a result of irregular rainfall. Many fields are at relatively uniform stages, but producers are noting that some fields have inconsistent staging due to dry conditions early in the growing season which is making spray timing challenging.
Pasture conditions in the province range from poor to good condition this year as some producers are satisfied with pastures, while others are disappointed. Currently, only one per cent of pastures are in excellent condition, while 24 per cent are good, 37 per cent are fair, 29 per cent are poor, and nine per cent are in very poor condition.
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