Harvest operations are underway for some producers in the south, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. Crops are rapidly drying down across the province and many pulse crops are being desiccated. Most crops remain in fair to excellent condition, although later-seeded crops need rain to help heads and pods fill. Reported yields so far range from average to well-below average, depending on field and moisture conditions.
Most areas of the province did not receive any rain last week, although the Arborfield area reported 22 mm and the Macklin area 20 mm. Many southern and central areas have not received significant moisture for well over a month, and any future rainfall may be of limited benefit since most southern crops are quickly ripening.
Topsoil moisture conditions have worsened since last week due to the lack of rain and hot temperatures. Provincial topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are currently rated as 39 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 18 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 33 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 28 per cent very short.
The majority of crop damage this past week is attributed to lack of moisture, strong winds and hot temperatures. There have been some reports of grasshoppers in the south. Haying is wrapping up for some livestock producers and yields remain significantly lower than normal. Pasture conditions are currently rated as two per cent excellent, 25 per cent good, 37 per cent fair, 26 per cent poor and 10 per cent very poor.
Source : Government of Saskatchewan