Sask crop report looks good

Saskatchewan Agriculture

Areas that received rain and warm weather the past few weeks have reported that crops are looking better (for the Period June 23 to 29).

The reduction in wind has allowed farmers to make progress spraying herbicides, and they have shifted their focus to scouting for disease and applying fungicides in some areas.

In the southwest, 82 per cent of the fall cereals, 83 per cent of the spring cereals, 89 per cent of the oilseed crops and 89 per cent of the pulse crops are at a normal stage of development for this time of year. Crop conditions range from fair to excellent in the region, with 87 per cent of the spring wheat, 84 per cent of the durum, 81 per cent of the canola and 91 per cent of the lentils being in good to excellent condition at this time.

Most of the southwest region received rainfall this week. The Bengough area received the highest amount of rain in the region with 58 mm. The Admiral and Blumenhof areas received nine mm, the Mortlach area 12 mm, the Consul area 22.4 mm, the Kyle area 25 mm, the Mossbank area 26 mm and the Leader area 40 mm. The Gouldtown area has received the most precipitation in the region since April 1 (209.3 mm).

Moisture conditions have improved in the southwest region due to rainfall and limited amount of wind. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 65 per cent adequate, 27 per cent short and eight per cent very short.

Haying recently began in the region. Two per cent of the hay crop has now been cut and one per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as six per cent excellent, 63 per cent good, 25 per cent fair and six per cent poor. Farmers have reported that limited rain at the start of the season has led to shorter hay crops and pasture, and they are noticing reduced yields in some areas.

The majority of crop damage this week was from gophers, dry conditions in some areas, flea beetles, and diseases such as anthracnose, ascochyta blight and root rots.

Farmers are busy starting to hay, scouting for disease and wrapping up herbicide applications.