As the hot, dry weather continues, farmers across Saskatchewan are seeing their crops advance rapidly, but in poor condition.
Currently, 36 per cent of fall cereals, 29 per cent of spring cereals, 25 per cent of oilseed crops, and 30 per cent of pulse crops are ahead of their normal stages of development for this time of year. The majority of crops are in poor to good condition.
The extended heat wave, paired with a lack of moisture, has caused crops to be short, thin and rapidly advancing in many regions of the province due to the stress. Without significant rainfall, many crops throughout the province will have their yields and quality severely impacted.
Topsoil moisture levels across the province continue to decrease. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 14 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short, and 45 per cent very poor. Hay and pasture land is rated as nine per cent adequate, 36 per cent short, and 55 per cent very short.
Livestock producers now have 26 per cent of the hay crop cut while 39 per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 48 per cent good, 33 per cent fair, and 15 per cent poor.
A complete version of the crop report is available online.
