Crops in province catching up thanks to more sun, less rain in Sask.: Crop report

The shift in weather in recent days has brought good news for producers in the Saskatchewan, according to the province.

Increased sunshine — and the warmer temperatures that accompanied it — have helped fields to dry and crops to catch up, said the provincial crop report released for the period of July 7-13.

However, a rise in humidity has somewhat limited the extent to which fields have dried. The weekly crop report described producers as “optimistic while monitoring pests, disease and localized weather impacts.”

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Producers have also begun haying and made progress with spraying. Ten per cent of the first cut of hay in the province has been baled or put up as silage, while 20 per cent has been cut, and 70 per cent is standing.

Twenty-seven per cent of hay is rated as excellent quality, 66 per cent is good, six per cent rates as fair and one per cent is poor.

Some producers report having started their second cut of hay as a result of high rainfall in their areas.

Moisture levels in the province varied greatly, depending on the location of isolated storms. The Prince Albert area saw the most rainfall, with 88 millimetres, while the Foam Lake area was second with 72 millimetres.

Levels of topsoil moisture are at a surplus in 17 per cent of cropland, adequate in 80 per cent and short in three per cent of cropland, the report shared. Moisture levels are similar for hayland, where 14 per cent is described as surplus, 83 per cent adequate and short in three per cent.

In pastures, nine percent have a surplus of moisture, 84 per cent are adequate and seven per cent are short.

Crop development has been impacted by the varying environmental conditions, however the report indicates most crops are at the normal development stage. Overall, most crops are rated in fair to good condition.

When it comes to fall cereal crops, 82 per cent are at normal stages of development, two per cent are ahead and 16 per cent are behind. Sixty-eight per cent of spring cereal crops are normal, two per cent are ahead and 30 per cent behind in development. Oilseeds are lagging slightly behind other crops as 63 per cent are at a normal stage of development, two per cent are ahead and 35 percent are behind.

Seventy-six per cent of pulse crops have reached a normal stage of development, three per cent are ahead and 21 per cent are behind.

When it comes to pests, concerns remain relatively low as producers monitor for any changes in fields. Insecticides and fungicides are being applied in areas where there is prolonged humidity and excess moisture, which could lead to disease development.