UNITY - Producers in the west-central region were happy to see rain this past week to help maintain adequate soil moisture levels and alleviate environmental stress due to dry conditions, according to the crop report for the period of June 13 to 19. Thirty-four per cent of seeded, 56 per cent of forage and 53 per cent of pasture acres are experiencing environmental stress due to dry conditions. Alternatively, six per cent of pasture acres are experiencing flooding.
Oilseeds are the most advanced crop in the region, with the dry conditions increasing the rate of development. Oilseed development varies greatly within the region. They are both the most ahead (12 per cent) and behind (21 per cent) in development stages for this time of year. The majority of crops in the region are at normal stages of development for this time of year.
Forty-five mm of rain was received in the Rosetown area. This precipitation helped maintain adequate soil moisture levels. One per cent of cropland has surplus topsoil moisture, 71 per cent has adequate topsoil moisture, 26 per cent is short and two per cent is very short.
Hay and pasture topsoil moisture is beginning to decrease. Fifty-four percent of topsoil moisture is adequate, 38 per cent is short and seven per cent is very short. Many livestock producers in the region are experiencing moderate water shortages and many are also concerned about their water quality this summer.
Producers in the region are busy scouting their fields, in-crop spraying and evaluating water supplies for their livestock. Grasshoppers remain a concern for producers in the region. Producers are hoping for more rain soon.
