Crop Report Lags Behind Due to Rain and Low TemperaturesCrop Report Lags Behind Due to Rain and Low Temperatures Rainfall and hail have caused problems in some areas of Saskatchewan, while low temperatures have slowed crop development. According to the Department of Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report, rain in the last week of June caused crop flooding in low-lying areas, while other parts of the province are in need of moisture. Producers are hopeful for warmer weather to support crop development, as it is currently lagging behind due to cool, wet conditions. Goodeve received 143mm of rain in the week ending Monday, and Ituna received 133mm. While rain has helped stave off drought, 14 percent of cropland, nine percent of hayfields, and five percent of pastures are experiencing excess moisture. Six percent of cropland is experiencing moisture deficits, as is one percent of hayfields and two percent of pastures. Most crop damage reported was due to rainfall, with standing water in some low-lying areas. Gophers and grasshoppers are also persistent problems this year. Weed spraying has been delayed due to frequent rain and wind. The full harvest report can be found on the provincial government website.
Many Saskatchewan producers are hoping for warmer weather in the coming weeks, while others are still in need of rain. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)
Crop, pasture and hay conditions are generally good in Saskatchewan, but rain and hail have caused problems in some areas and crop development is lagging due to low temperatures.
That’s according to the Department of Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report, which covered the week ending Monday. Widespread rainfall in the last week of June caused some crop flooding in low-lying areas, the report noted, while other parts of the province are hoping for some extra moisture.
Although the low temperatures are slowing crop development and haymaking, the prospect of warmer weather in the coming days is making producers more optimistic.
“Overall, crop development is lagging behind normal for this time of year due to cooler, wet conditions,” the report said. “Producers are looking forward to the possibility of warmer weather to support crop development.”
The Goodeve area received 143mm of rain in the week ending Monday, with Ituna close behind with 133mm. Rostown received 130mm, while the Biggar area received 120mm.
Although rain largely staved off drought on Saskatchewan farms this past summer, the report found that 14 percent of cropland, nine percent of hayfields and five percent of pastures were experiencing excess moisture. Meanwhile, six percent of cropland is experiencing moisture deficits, as is one percent of hayfields and two percent of pastures in the province.
“Currently, 29 percent of the pastures are reported as excellent, 57 percent as good, 13 percent as fair and one percent as poor,” the ministry said.
“The quality of the hay is rated as 25 percent excellent, 69 percent good and 6 percent fair.”
Most of the crop damage reported in the week to Monday was due to rainfall, with standing water in some low-lying areas making recovery very difficult. In other areas, there is yellowing of crops, stunting and root rot due to excessive moisture.
Gophers are a persistent problem this year, the ministry noted, particularly for canola crops. Grasshoppers are less of a problem because cooler weather has kept populations lower than normal.
“While most producers have completed weed spraying, some hectares still need to be covered due to frequent rain and wind delays,” the report said.
“Producers will continue to monitor their fields for pests and diseases.”
The full harvest report can be found on the provincial government website.
