Crops progress well, but need more rainfall

Colour the fields of Saskatchewan yellow and green.

Yellow canola flowers and green wheat heading out cover the rural landscape.

Sixty per cent of canola is flowering with just over half of wheat crops in heading stage according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture weekly crop report.

Only 29 per cent of pulses are flowering with 40 per cent beginning to pod.

Around two-thirds of crops are in normal development with between 19 per cent of pulses and 30 per cent of fall cereals and 22 per cent of oilseeds ahead of usual growth.

Spotty showers for two weeks and warm weather has depleted soil moisture.

Nine per cent of cropland is in surplus moisture condition with 42 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 15 per cent very short.

Occasional showers have not met the need.    

Almost half the hay has been cut and almost one-quarter baled. Hay quality is good and some producers are expecting a second cut, which has not happened for several years.