Topsoil moisture declines in Sask. despite welcome rainfall: Crop report

Saskatchewan farmers are still struggling with dry conditions despite some welcome rainfall over the past week.

According to the weekly crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending on Monday, some isolated showers were welcomed by producers, but heavy rain and hail caused some crop damage as well.

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The Meadow Lake area got the most rain in the past week, with 64 millimetres, while the Comeville area got 46 millimetres and the Bruno area got 40 millimetres of rain.

“Even with the rainfall over the past week, topsoil moisture conditions continue to decline provincially,” the report noted.

“A good general rain is needed to help push crop development and ensure the crop doesn’t begin to deteriorate in condition.”

Across the province, cropland topsoil moisture was rated as one per cent surplus, 40 per cent adequate, 45 per cehnt short and 14 per cent very short.

Topsoil moisture in hay land was rated as 34 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 25 per cent very short, and moisture level in pastures was rated as 27 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 31 per cent very short.

“Most crops are reported as being normal in their development for this time of year,” the ministry said in the report.

“However, many producers are reporting that without rain soon crop development will be delayed on later seeded crops and hastened for the more advanced crops as they respond to the drier conditions.”

Across the province crop conditions are largely rated from fair to good, the report indicated, but that could change in the absence of rain in many areas.

Dry conditions and wind were the largest sources of crop damage over the past week, along with hail in some regions.

“There were many scattered hail events this past week with damage ranging from minor to severe,” the ministry explained. “Fall seeded crops in later development stages were heavily impacted and are unlikely to recover, but less advanced crops should be able to bounce back.”

Heavy rains in certain regions also led to some localized flooding, leaving crops washed out or standing in water, and grasshoppers and flea beetles were also causing some headaches for farmers.

Producers are scouting their crops and applying crop protection products to deal with pests, while cattle farmers are keeping a close eye on pasture conditions and haulting water and feed, the report said.

“Producers and the public are reminded that conditions remain dry across the province and every precaution should be taken to limit the risk of fires,” the ministry added.

The full crop report can be found on the agriculture ministry’s website.