Sask. crops coming up short and thin

Crops are coming up in Saskatchewan short, thin, and starting to flower early.

The latest crop report from the province says areas in west-central Saskatchewan received up to two inches of rain last week. However, most areas received no rain or just light showers leaving topsoil parched.

Topsoil moisture conditions are reported to be 33 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short, and 22 per cent very short. Hayland and pasture moisture levels, meanwhile, are 23 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short, and 36 per cent very short.

Crops are in poor to good condition, varying across the province. About 67 per cent of the fall cereals and 39 per cent of the spring cereals are in the heading stage.

Meanwhile, concerns of a hay shortage this year continue. Livestock producers have 24 per cent of the hay crop cut and 15 per cent baled. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 43 per cent good, 34 per cent fair and 19 per cent poor.

CMarkewich@rawlco.com
Follow on Twitter: @cjmarkewich