Crop development near normal but some areas still needing rain

Saskatchewan Agriculture says crop development is around normal for this time of year for most crops in the province, although some oilseed crops are considered to be behind normal development.

Provincially, 68 per cent of fall cereals, 69 per cent of spring cereals, 60 per cent of oilseed crops and 74 per cent of pulse crops are at their normal stage of development for this time of year. Dry topsoil moisture conditions have resulted in delayed emergence and development of later- and smaller-seeded crops.

As winds calmed in some areas of the province, farmers were able to get in the field to spray for in-crop weed control and insect pests. The wind also continued to dry topsoil moisture, but those issues were alleviated in areas that received rain.

Dry conditions and cool temperatures have slowed hay and pasture growth, specifically in the southern and east-central regions. Most of the province received some rainfall this week. The Gouldtown area in the southwest received the highest amount of rainfall with 73.5 millimetres.

Areas that received more rainfall reported crop and pasture development has improved and the warm temperatures also helped. Farmers in the east-central and southern regions reported a lack of rainfall in some areas reduced hay and pasture growth and will delay the timing or reduce the amount of hay for the first cut.