Heavy storms bring damage to some Sask. crops, equipment: crop report

Producers in Saskatchewan reported a total of 98 per cent of crops in the ground.

Severe storms over the week of June 17 to 23 caused damage to some crops, buildings and machinery, according to Saskatchewan’s latest crop report.

Wind, significant rain and hail were the primary causes of damage, a news release from the province said.

The Macklin region saw 108 millimetres of rainfall, followed by Wilkie with 107 mm, Semans 99 mm and Luseland 96 mm.

Crop development has also been slowed by cooler temperatures, the province said. “Oilseed crops are the furthest behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. Crops in the southwest region of the province are the furthest advanced while crops in the east-central and northeast regions are the furthest behind in development,” the report said.

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Warmer temperatures and continue precipitation are needed to help crops progress in many areas, the province added.

Producers in areas that received minor to severe hail and wind damage are still assessing which crops will be able to recover.

Minor frost damage was also reported and gophers and flee beetles continue to be an issue in some regions as well.

“The sporadic rainfall in Saskatchewan is also impacting livestock water supplies. Some producers are concerned about water availability for their animals. Provincially, one per cent of livestock water supplies are severely short, 21 per cent are moderately short, 23 per cent are anticipated to be short in the next couple months and 55 per cent are not expected to be short for the foreseeable future,” the province said.

The full crop report for June 17 to 23 can be read here.