Dry, windy weather is causing a problem for some Saskatchewan farmers, according to the latest crop report.
Strong winds resulted in some crop damage this week. This also dried up the soil and led to delayed herbicide application.
More rain is needed throughout much of the province. Topsoil moisture across Saskatchewan is declining due to very high temperatures and non-stop winds. Dry conditions and cool temperatures have greatly slowed hay and pasture growth, with some producers concerned about their ability to support cattle throughout the summer without more rain.
Provincially, moisture levels on crop and hay and pasture land have fallen, particularly in areas that received little to no rainfall this past week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short, and six per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as zero per cent surplus, 45 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short, and 13 per cent very short.
Still, crop development is normal for this time of year in most areas, with oilseed crops reported as behind other crops. Provincially, 62 per cent of fall cereals, 81 per cent of spring cereals, 70 per cent of oilseed crops. and 81 per cent of pulse crops are at a normal stage of development for this time of year.
Dry topsoil moisture conditions have resulted in delayed emergence and development of later and smaller seeded crops.
A complete, printable version of the crop report is available online.
