Sask. crops in good condition despite challenges from weather

Saskatchewan’s crops are generally in good condition despite weather-related challenges producers have faced this season.

According to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending on Monday, excess moisture is causing crop yellowing in some low-lying areas. Other areas are struggling with a lack of moisture, but crop conditions are still in good shape overall.

“Many areas received limited to reduced amounts of rainfall compared to previous weeks, but some areas did receive isolated storms with heavier rainfall amounts and hail,” the ministry explained.

While the cool temperatures in June slowed down crop development in many areas, the rainfall and warmer conditions over the past week are helping to speed things along.

“Moisture and warmer temperatures are supporting quicker crop advancement with some crops already starting to show reductions in the percentage that are falling behind in development,” the report noted. “Canola and spring cereals are still the furthest behind the normal stages of development for this time of year.”

The Frobisher area got 52 millimetres of rain over the week ending Monday, and Regina was close behind with 51 millimetres.

The drier conditions have also helped producers make progress with haying in many parts of Saskatchewan, though producers have reported that high humidity means hay drying is taking longer than usual.

“Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and two per cent very short,” the ministry reported.

“Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at five per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate, nine per cent short and two per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is three per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and three per cent very short.”

Moisture — or lack thereof — was the main cause of crop damage in the most recent report. While yellowing is occurring in some low-lying areas due to excess water in the ground, some areas are seeing crop stress due to dry conditions. Hail, gophers and grasshoppers also cause some damage over the past week.

“Producers also note aphids and cabbage seedpod weevils are beginning to appear in some regions of the province,” the report noted. “With the frequent moisture and currently humid conditions, disease development has been observed in various crops including pulses and cereals.”

In the week ahead, farmers across Saskatchewan will be keeping a close eye on their crops, checking for insects and disease. Other producers will be spraying fungicide and taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of disease in the hot, humid conditions. Haying will also likely speed ahead this week due to the dry weather.

The full report can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.