Crops further along due to sweltering heat and lack of moisture

Many advanced crops around Saskatchewan are under duress from the sweltering, dry heat, with the potential for yields to decline.

Any moisture received wouldn’t help advanced crops at this stage, but it could help with head and pod filling on later-seeded crops.

That’s according to the weekly Crop Report from the Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending Monday.

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Pulses are being desiccated in southern Saskatchewan as harvest begins, the report noted, while producers say there might be more cereal crops harvested for feed. Harvest preparations are underway in most other areas as crops continue to mature quickly with in dry, hot weather.

Trace amounts of rain fell in only a few areas within the province between July 23 and July 29. The Hafford area received 15 millimetres of rainfall, with the St. Walburg area close behind with 14 millimeteres, while the Aneroid area received 11 millimiters.

Topsoil moisture declined in the week covered by the report, and was rated at 41 percent adequate for cropland. Forty per cent of hayland had adequate topsoil moisture, and pastureland was further behind with just adequate moisture in just 37 percent of pastures.

Pastures conditions also declined, with only four percent rated as excellent and 42 percent rated as fair.

The province is reminding those taking measures to control pests like grasshoppers and aphids that crops are quickly advancing and it’s important to follow the Guide to Crop Protection.

The Farm Stress Line is available to provide support toll free at 1-800-667-4442.