Hay yields vary considerably across the province this year with some regions struggling to get enough hay for their livestock while others are above average.
Estimated yields by crop reporters for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture for dryland alfalfa are 1.52 tons an acre with 1.5 tons for alfalfa bromegrass, 1.2 tons for tame grass, one ton for native grass and two tons for green feed,
In the southeastern region which includes Moose Jaw yields are higher than average with plenty of hay.
Growers in the southwest from Assiniboia to Swift Current have lower than normal hay crops with little rain since April. Many are worried about hay supplies.
East central regions have above normal hay crops with less than one ton an acre in the west central region.
In the northeast hay yields average two tons an acre with four tons for green field crops.
Hay yields in the northwest are good but rain and mud has reduced quality and caused delays in haying.
Across the province one per cent of grain harvest was done in the first week of August compared with the five-year average of two per cent seven per cent last year.
A few lentil crops were started in the southeast while, in the southwest three per cent was complete with lentils, winter cereals and peas taken off.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
