Many areas in the province received rainfall last week. This precipitation has helped to relieve the extremely dry conditions and recharge soil moisture. However, significant rainfall is still needed in areas of the province to help crops, hay and pasture develop and further recharge soil moisture.
The amount of precipitation received in the past week varied across the province, ranging from negligible amounts to 114 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation fell in the Blumenhof area, where 114 mm was recorded. The southern regions reported receiving the most rainfall. The Moose Jaw area received up to 111.5 mm, the Regina area 65 mm, the Gravelbourg area 105 mm and the Shaunavon area up to 98.3 mm.
Across the province, topsoil moisture conditions have greatly improved, but the subsoil remains parched. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as four per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and one per cent very short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as three per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and two per cent very short at this time.
Unfortunately, the rainfall came too late for the majority of first-cut hay, but it will encourage growth for a later cut. Provincially, the recent rainfall has improved or sustained crop conditions and warm weather will bring on crop, hay and pasture growth.
The majority of crops are behind to normal in their growth. Fifty per cent of fall cereals, 55 per cent of spring cereals, 62 per cent of pulse crops and 43 per cent of oilseed crops are at the normal stages of development for this time of year. The rainfall has caused difficulties with spraying operations as weeds are growing now and crops are getting late in stage for in-crop herbicide applications.
Farmers are busy hauling grain, spraying in-crop pesticide applications and getting equipment ready to cut hay.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online at www.saskatchewan.ca/crop-report.
