ASSINIBOIA - Crops in the southwest have suffered through dry conditions all season long and the rain showers that parts of the region are now getting will do little to improve them. This rain will however, maintain the current yield potential. The crops that will benefit most from the rain will be late seeded or reseeded crops that are not as developed, overall crops are ripening faster than normal, and producers are expecting lower than average yields for much of their crop.
A few areas in region received rain this past week. The Limerick area received 55 mm, the Vanguard and Mossbank areas 46 mm while the Leader area received 10 mm. The rain is too late for many annual crops but it might help hay and pasture regrowth.
79 per cent of fall cereals, 70 per cent of spring cereals, 68 of oilseeds and 74 per cent of pulses were rated to be at their normal stages of development. In the extremely dry areas of the region, crops ahead in development and have suffered in terms of yield due to their rapid growth.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 50 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and six per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 38 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 22 per cent very short.
Livestock producers currently have 21 per cent of the hay crop cut and 42 per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is currently rated as 14 per cent excellent, 36 per cent good, 50 per cent fair and seven per cent poor. Overall, hay yields are much less than normal and many producers do not expect a second cut at this time.
Most crop damage this past week was due to strong winds and lack of moisture. Grasshoppers continue to be of concern and some producers are applying insecticides.
Producers are busy haying, doing yield assessments, applying pesticides and getting equipment ready for harvest.
