Conditions across the province were variable this past week, with some regions receiving limited rainfall and others experiencing heavy storms that brought wind, significant rain and hail resulting in damage to crops, buildings and machinery. Producers continue to assess crops for hail recovery which varies based on the type of crop and its developmental stage.
The northwest region received limited rainfall. Areas in the west-central and pockets in other regions received significant rainfall. The Macklin area received the highest rainfall at 108 millimeters (mm) recorded for the past week followed by the Wilkie area at 107 mm. The Semans area reported 99 mm and the Luseland area reported 96 mm for the week.
Rainfall significantly increased topsoil moisture in all regions this week. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported as five per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is three per cent surplus, 57 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and 14 per cent very short.
Cooler temperatures this week have slowed crop development. Oilseed crops are the furthest behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. Crops in the southwest region of the province are the furthest advanced while crops in the east-central and northeast regions are the furthest behind in development. Warmer temperatures and continued precipitation are needed to help crop development progress.
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