Government of Saskatchewan
Submitted
Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions have increased compared to the previous week due to rainfall. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 72 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and three per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 61 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and eight per cent very short.
Heavy localized rainfall resulted in occasions of flooding and water pooling in low areas of some fields across the province. With the rain came extremely strong winds in some regions as well, resulting in damage to or loss of bins, buildings and crops. Areas of the province that only saw wind and no rain are becoming concerned about dry conditions.
North-east of Old Wives Lake saw the largest localized rain shower, resulting in approximately 208 mm over the course of a few hours, causing road wash outs, flooding, filling of sloughs and dugouts and some crop damage. Other areas that saw large amounts of rainfall this week include Big Beaver with 127 mm, Frobisher with 111 mm and Moosomin with 110 mm. The south-east received the most rainfall over the week but rain was general throughout all regions of the province.
There were reports of localized flooding in areas that received a lot of rainfall in a short amount of time. Winds have also delayed many producers from being able to spray, but they have been busy spraying for weeds and insects as wind conditions and crop stages allow.
Provincially, 78 per cent of the pulse crops, 76 per cent of the spring cereals, 70 per cent of the fall cereals and 66 per cent of the oilseed crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year.
Crop conditions across the province mostly range from fair to good. With the recent rains, producers are hopeful that conditions will improve.
In general, emergence of earlier seeded crops is good, but the lack of moisture and wind in some fields has reduced germination of canola and has resulted in spotty emergence. Areas where germination was very poor might be reseeded if conditions allow, now that soil moisture is ample.
Certain parts of the province that did not see much rainfall last week saw damage from dry soil conditions. Other damage that was reported this week was from flea beetles, gophers and some first signs of seedling diseases.
Northwestern Saskatchewan
The region received steady rainfall that was able to soak in well without causing too much run off or pooling in fields. This rain and the wind that came with it prevented producers from spraying but they are ready continue once conditions allow for it.
The Frenchman Butte and St. Walburg areas received the most rain with 54 mm, the Spiritwood area received 45 mm,
Moisture conditions this week have largely improved in the northwest region, with more fields being rated as surplus. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and 15 per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 72 per cent adequate and 23 per cent short.
Regionally, 92 per cent of the pulse crops, 83 per cent of the spring cereals and 78 per cent of the oilseed crops and are at their normal stages of development for this time of year.
Crop conditions range from fair to good in the region, with 93 per cent of the peas, 73 per cent of the spring wheat, 67 per of the canola being in good condition at this time.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind, heat and pests such as flea beetles and gophers.
Northeastern Saskatchewan
Some areas of the region reported enough rainfall to allow for runoff to occur, while others indicated what they received was hardly enough to counter the wind and heat during the week. Most fields have been sprayed at least once but those looking to apply a second pass are being delayed by the wind. Re-seeding of canola that was damaged by flea beetle is now complete in many parts of the region.
Areas around Vonda and Melfort received the highest amount of rain in the region this week with 40 mm. The Hudson Bay area received 38 mm, the Birch Hills area 34 mm, the Prince Albert and Spruce Home areas 30 mm and the Nipawin area 22 mm.
Regionally, the moisture conditions improved this week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate and 18 per cent short.
In the northeast region, 82 per cent of the fall cereals, 76 per cent of the spring cereals, 72 per cent of the pulse crops and 66 per cent of the oilseed crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year.
Crop conditions range from fair to good in the region, with 87 per cent of the peas, 63 per cent of the spring wheat and 57 per of the canola being in good condition at this time.
The crops, as well as hay land and pasture, are doing well for growth and development in most areas of the region. Some canola fields that have been hit hard by flea beetles were the exception.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind, heat and flea beetles. Producers are currently assessing the damage that was caused by the strong winds that occurred in certain areas of the region.
