Saskatchewan crop conditions were mixed compared to a week earlier, with soybeans showing a sharp improvement while ratings declined for canola, lentils and several other crops, according to the latest provincial crop report on Thursday.
The proportion of soybeans rated good to excellent as of Monday climbed 13 percentage points to 86%, up from 73% at the end of June. Oats improved three points to 83%, and durum increased 1 point to 94%.
Spring wheat remained unchanged at 85% good to excellent as of Monday, while barley held at 82% and mustard at 93%.
However, lentil conditions deteriorated, with the provincewide good to excellent rating falling 13 points to 73%. Winter wheat declined 6 points to 79%, canaryseed dropped 4 points to 79%, and canola slipped 3 points to 76%. Field peas declined 2 points to 83%, while flax and chickpeas each fell 1 point to 83%.
Warmer temperatures, increased sunshine and limited precipitation helped fields dry during the latest reporting period, allowing crops to advance and producers to make progress with spraying and haying, the report said. However, high humidity continued to slow drying in some areas.
Isolated storms brought variable rainfall and localized hail. The Prince Albert area received the highest reported total at 88 mm, followed by Foam Lake at 72 mm, Blaine Lake at 65 mm and Redberry at 62 mm.
Cropland topsoil moisture was rated 17% surplus, 80% adequate and 3% short as of Monday. Most crops were at normal development stages, although 30% of spring cereals and 35% of oilseeds remained behind normal.
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