Hay yields have declined across the provinces as early forage growth was stalled by low rainfall and cool weather.
Most producers don't expect a second cut this season, says the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture's crop report for the week ended July 20.
Provincially, hay yields average 1.3 tonnes per acre for alfalfa, 1.2 tonnes for alfalfa-brome, one tonne for tame hay, .8 tonnes for wild hay and 1.8 tonnes for greenfeed hay.
In the Moose Jaw region, yields are lower with one tonne per acre for alfalfa and alfalfa-brome, .7 tonnes for tame hay, .8 tonnes for wld hay, and 1.5 tonnes for greenfeed.
Southwest hay yields are low too with alfalfa at 1.2 tonnes, alfalfa-brome at one tonne, tame hay at .9 tonnes, wld hay at .7, and greenfeed at 1.9 tonnes.
Even with showers delaying the hay process, 22 per cent is cut and 20 per cent baled or in silage across the province.
In the southeast, which includes Moose Jaw, 23 per cent of hay is cut and 25 per cent is baled or in silage.
Between 65 per cent and 75 per cent of hay is rated excellent or good.
With warm weather and half an inch of rain in most districts, crops are in good condition.
Moose Jaw had 24mm rain; Briercrest had 30mm, Mortlach and Mossbank had 20mm.; Eyebrow had 50mm; Big Beaver, 24mm and Rockglen, 11mm.
Crop land moisture is rated four per cent surplus. 84 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent vey short in the province.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net.
