Saskatchewan farmers ‘hoping for rain immediately:’ Crop report

Some farmers are feeling the pinch as rural municipalities across Saskatchewan declare emergencies due to drought conditions.

“Dry conditions are impacting parts of the province and many producers are hoping for rain immediately,” said the weekly crop report, which was released by the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday.

The report said “very little rain” fell around the province during the week, with the Dinsmore area receiving the most precipitation at 14 millimetres. That lack of moisture resulted in a decrease in soil moisture levels.

According to the report, cropland topsoil moisture was rated at 21 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Hay and pastureland topsoil moisture levels were 17 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short and 28 per cent very short.

Despite that lack of moisture, the report said crops were in good to fair condition across the province. However, 35 per cent of mustard and 21 per cent of canary seed were considered to be in very poor condition.

The ministry added that most crops were either ahead of or at their normal stage of development for this time of year.

“Fall cereals are 31 per cent ahead and 66 per cent at normal stages of development,” the report said. “Spring cereals are 33 per cent ahead and 60 per cent at normal stages of development. Oilseeds are also 33 per cent ahead and 58 per cent at normal stages of development. Pulse crops are 28 per cent ahead and 67 per cent at normal stages of development.”

Crop damage reported to the ministry during the week was due to heat, moisture stress or grasshoppers. The report said some ranchers may be concerned with water quality because of the heat, so they were reminded by the ministry that they can take samples to their local regional office for testing.