Southwest producers hope dry June is replaced by a rainy July
Spotty rains continue to deliver some relief to soil moisture conditions in the Southwest according to the Saskatchewan Agriculture Crop Report for the period of June 19 to 25.
With the Southwest experiencing the shortest supply of topsoil moisture in the entire province, rains are welcome relief.
“Spotty rain showers were reported in the region during the past week,” the Crop Report for the Southwest stated. “Some areas received significant amounts that helped to alleviate stress on crops and pasture; however, more rain is needed in the region to sustain crop and pasture growth. Concerns remain that, if a general rain is not received soon, crop yields will be significantly reduced.”
Saskatchewan Agriculture reported that the Vanguard area received the most precipitation with 80 millimeters of rain, while the following totals were reported in other regions: Shaunavon (33 mm), Admiral (20 mm), Gull Lake (13 mm), Fife Lake (12), Swift Current (11 mm), and Limerick (7 mm).
Although recent moisture has helped some areas, most of the region remains very dry. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 49 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 36 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 21 per cent very short.
Crops are heading out and starting to flower. Due to uneven germination, there are various crop growth stages within a field.
Haying is underway in the Southwest. Ten per cent of the crop is cut and five per cent is baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 48 per cent good, 44 per cent fair and four per cent poor. Hay yields are well below average in most areas.
The majority of crop damage this past week was due to lack of moisture. With no rain to break down herbicides, there are some reports of crops being damaged by herbicide carryover.