Hot conditions in much of the province have caused crops to rapidly progress, which benefited crops that are behind in some areas but had a negative impact on those in drier areas. Crop conditions remain variable with most crops in good condition.
Many areas experienced humid conditions, which posed challenges for haying efforts but progress was made with some producers in southern regions wrapping up. Fungicide application is winding down for later-seeded crops, and some producers are starting to shift their attention to preparing for harvest.
There was limited rainfall in the province aside from scattered thunderstorms. The Coleville area received the most precipitation with 25 millimetres (mm), while the Calder area received 24 mm and the Rabbit Lake area received 22 mm. Other areas reported modest rainfall ranging from 10 to 20 mm.
The limited precipitation caused adequate topsoil moisture levels to fall last week.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
• 5 per cent surplus;
• 67 per cent adequate;
• 27 per cent short; and
• 1 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
• 4 per cent surplus:
• 64 per cent adequate;
• 31 per cent short; and
• 1 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
• 2 per cent surplus;
• 58 per cent adequate;
• 36 per cent short; and
• 4 per cent very short.
Most winter cereal crops are in good to excellent condition as they approach harvest, while most spring cereal crops are in good to excellent condition as heads fill. Oilseed crops are largely in good condition, but the high temperatures during flowering periods stressed some crops. Most oilseed crops are now out of flowering stage and in podding stage. Approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of pulse crops are in good to excellent condition. However, a notable portion are in fair condition, and some are in poor condition due to moisture stress earlier in the growing season.
Producers continued haying this week despite humid conditions slowing cutting and baling. For first cuts of hay crops, 50 per cent have been baled or silaged, 28 per cent have been cut and are in swath, while 22 per cent remain standing. A few producers have had a second cut from their hay crops, with 6 per cent being cut a second time and 1 per cent being baled or silaged. In terms of hay quality for first cuts, 29 per cent is excellent, 62 per cent is good and 9 per cent is fair. Second cuts of hay are fair to good in quality.
Heat and dry soil conditions were the main causes of crop stress last week. Producers in southern and western regions noted rain would help crops set seed. Minor levels of cabbage seed pod weevil, aphid and gopher damage were observed in a few areas last week. In-crop spraying took place as insecticides were sprayed where necessary and some crops in eastern and northern regions were sprayed with fungicides.
Producers are busy finishing in-crop spraying while some are starting to prepare for harvest by servicing equipment, cleaning out bins and planning desiccation. Producers are reminded to prioritize safety and exercise caution when working in the field and around farm equipment.
For any crop or livestock questions, producers are encouraged to call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre toll-free at 1-866-457-2377.
SUBHEADLINE: Northeastern Saskatchewan
Hot conditions in the northeast helped crops that were behind normal development stages rapidly develop. Most crops in the region are now setting seed and in-crop spraying has largely wrapped up. Some producers are starting to prepare equipment and grain storage for harvest, but most crops are still weeks away from being ready to harvest.
There was limited rainfall in the region last week aside from scattered thunderstorms. The Duck Lake and Archerwill areas both received 13 millimetres (mm) while the Aberdeen area was the only other area with notable rainfall of 10 mm.
Topsoil moisture levels declined from last week, which was beneficial for many crops as excess moisture has been a challenge in the region this year. Some areas with surplus topsoil moisture last week were lowered to more adequate levels.
Crop conditions vary in the region as persistent rainfall earlier in the growing season took a negative toll on early crop development. Spring cereal crops seem to be doing the best as two-thirds to three-quarters are in good condition, while small portions are excellent or fair condition. Oilseed and pulse crops are in similar condition as approximately two-thirds of these crops are in good to excellent condition, while the other one-third are in fair to poor condition.
Livestock producers are still working to cut and bale hay crops. Currently, 41 per cent of hay crops have been baled or silaged, 34 per cent have been cut and 25 per cent are still standing. No second cuts of hay have been reported yet. Hay quality varies as 23 per cent is excellent quality, 53 per cent is good, 23 per cent is fair and 1 per cent is poor quality.
Environmental stress was the primary cause of crop damage last week. There was minor crop damage from excess moisture, strong winds and hot conditions. Minor activity of aphids was observed in a few crops as well.
Northwestern Saskatchewan
Hot temperatures in the northwest helped advance development for crops that were behind normal stages. There were also scattered thunderstorms and humid conditions which posed challenges to livestock producers who are haying.
The most rainfall was recorded in the Rabbit Lake area with 22 millimetres (mm), followed by the Mayfair area with 20 mm and the Turtleford area with 18 mm. Topsoil moisture dropped slightly, which is beneficial for areas with excess moisture.
Conditions for most crop types are generally good in the northwest. Approximately two-thirds of spring cereal and oilseed crops are in good condition and one-quarter are in excellent condition, with few acres of these crops being considered poor. Pulse crop conditions vary. Approximately two-thirds of lentils are good condition and the other one-third is fair, while approximately two-thirds of peas are in good condition and the remaining one-third is split between excellent and fair crops.
Livestock producers in the region have the most haying left compared to the rest of the province. Currently, 30 per cent of hay crops have been baled or silaged, 30 per cent are in the swath and 40 per cent have yet to be cut. No second cuts of hay crops have been reported yet. In terms of quality, 30 per cent of hay crops are excellent, 57 per cent are good and 13 per cent are fair.
Most crop damage observed this week was caused by environmental factors. Minor damage from strong winds, excess moisture in low lying areas and hot conditions were the only notable sources. There was negligible damage observed from insects or disease last week.
