Warmer and generally drier conditions helped crop development and haying progress across Saskatchewan this past week, although localized thunderstorms still brought flooding, hail, strong winds and crop damage to some areas.
The warm weather moved some crops closer to normal development for this time of year. Fall cereals remain the most advanced, with the largest share of acres at normal stages, while oilseeds, spring cereals and annual forages continue to have the greatest proportion of crops running behind.
Rainfall was highly variable. The Bienfait area received the largest total at 126 millimetres, followed by Meadow Lake with 73 mm and Lampman with 48 mm. Many other areas reported between 25 and 45 mm. The rain caused localized flooding in some districts, while accompanying hail and wind damaged crops and property.
Cropland topsoil moisture remains adequate across most of Saskatchewan, although supplies declined in several regions. Cropland moisture was rated 12% surplus, 77% adequate, 10% short, and 1% very short as of Monday (see map below).
That compares to 17% surplus, 80% adequate, and 3% short a week earlier, and 2% surplus, 71% adequate, 22% short, and 5% very short a year ago.
Warm temperatures combined with high humidity also created favourable conditions for disease development. Producers have been applying fungicides both to control existing disease pressure and to reduce the risk of further spread, the report said.
In areas that have remained wet for much of the season, root rots and other diseases are causing minor to moderate crop damage.
Crop damage during the week ranged from minor to severe and was attributed to flooding, heat, wind and hail. Strong winds also caused lodging in cereal crops across several regions. Gophers and cabbage seedpod weevil caused minor to moderate damage, with heavier losses in isolated areas.
Producers are expected to focus on completing fungicide applications and haying while preparing equipment for harvest.
The full crop report is available here:
https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/128638/formats/155893/download
