Crop development in Sask. ahead of normal stages but conditions vary due to weather

WATCH: Hot conditions and limited rain has caused crops across the province to develop faster than normal, causing concern over quality.

While crop development in Saskatchewan is further ahead of normal stages than they were last week, variable weather conditions have led to some crops being in better shape than others.

According to the latest provincial crop report covering the period of June 24 to June 30, fall cereal crops are the most advanced, followed by spring cereal and pulse crops.

Oilseed and annual forage crops are further behind their normal stages but are still “significantly further ahead than last year,” the report said.

Crops are the most advanced in the southwest and northwest part of the province, with crops in the central region the furthest behind.

Despite development of crops being ahead overall, conditions of crops vary across the province, the report said, with some areas experiencing drought conditions.

Some areas of the province were hit with thunderstorms and hail, with producers working to assess crop damage over the next week.

• Download the CTV News app for local breaking news alerts on your smartphone

Many areas in the southern part of the province received limited rainfall, the report said.

About half of fall and spring cereal crops are in good condition, with most of the other half in fair to poor condition. Half of two-thirds of pulse crops are in good condition, with most of the rest in fair condition. Most oilseed crops are in fair to good condition, according to the report.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions declined from last week, with some damage to crops also reported.

Some producers reported that dry conditions combined with heat and wind caused the most widespread damage to crops, the report said. Grasshopper and flea beetle activity have also been causing damage in dry areas.

As well, some producers in parts of west-central, east-central and northeast Saskatchewan reported minor damage from excess moisture in low spots due to rainfall.

Since weather conditions can be unpredictable this time of year, the province provided a Farm Stress Line to provide support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

The full report can be found here.