KAMSACK - Most of the east-central region got hammered with rain this week which resulted in flooding and many low laying areas filling with water; crops in the low areas are expected to not survive unless water dries up quickly. Crops in the region have struggled with developing under the excessively wet conditions and are predicted to be a week or two behind in some areas. The region needs calm days that are nice and sunny with minimal rain for the crops to advance more quickly.
Sixty-six per cent of the fall cereals, 35 per cent of the spring cereals, 25 per cent of the oilseed crops and 55 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Crop conditions range from fair to good in the region with a small portion of the crop rated in excellent condition. Sixty per cent of the canola, 58 per of the spring wheat and 59 per cent of the lentils are in good condition at this time.
There were some good rain showers in the region this past week with areas around Goodeve receiving up to 70 mm of rain. The Lipton area received 63 mm, the Bethune area 32 mm, the Rama area 25 mm and the Earl Grey and Allan areas 13 mm. High rainfall areas experienced some major flooding and producers are assessing how much of their crop they will lose due to standing water.
Regionally, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 17 per cent surplus, 70 per cent adequate and 13 per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 13 per cent surplus, 66 per cent adequate and 21 per cent short. Hay land and pastures are noted to be in good condition and have shown great improvement when compared to last year.
Haying has started in the east-central region, but progress has been very slow due to recent rain. At this time, only one per cent is cut and less than one per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 32 per cent excellent, 59 per cent good, five per cent fair and four per cent poor. Much of the region is very wet, which has improved grass growth but has made haying operations very difficult.
The majority of crop damage this week was from flooding, hail, flea beetles and grasshoppers. Some crops in the region were completely wiped out by the hail and farmers are dealing with insurance companies to assess their options. In areas where hail damage was more minor, crops are expected to recover if conditions improve.
Farmers are busy spraying to control weeds and insect pests in their crops while some are prepping for their first fungicide applications of the year. Livestock producers are prepping for haying season and hope to get out soon.
