Extreme heat has some Saskatchewan producers concerned

Many producers in southern and western Saskatchewan are concerned after another hot, dry week.

According to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending on Monday, multiple hot days during the critical flowering stage of many crops has likely lowered the yield potential in some areas.

“Producers are hopeful they will receive rain soon to aid with seed filling as harvest is fast approaching,” the report read.

Some of the driest portions of the province are close to harvesting early-seeded pulses and cereals.

The heat waves, mixed with minimal rain, are pushing the topsoil moisture backward in Saskatchewan, leading to no breaks in the heat stress crops are feeling.

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Cropland topsoil moisture was rated at about 50 percent adequate, while Hayland topsoil moisture is rated at 45 per cent adequate and just 36 per cent of pastures had adequate moisture.

The most rain this week was reported in the Macklin area with 20 millimetres. Shaunavon was close behind with 17 millimetres.

Crop conditions were rated fair to good, with the lowest rates coming from those areas experiencing the driest conditions in the southwest, west central and southeast regions of Saskatchewan.

Haying operations are almost complete, with 25 per cent of hay rated as excellent and 65 per cent rated as good.

“A second cut of hay is not likely unless a substantial amount of rain is received soon to allow for adequate regrowth,” the report noted.

Crop damage this week was mostly done by weather conditions, gophers, grasshoppers and aphids,

Canola producers are concerned about how their crop will fare, as the flowering period is heat-sensitive.

The report also said cereals have also been affected by the extreme heat.

Fire prevention and precautions are being urged by the provincial government.