A stretch of hot weather across Saskatchewan is speeding up crop development, helping late-seeded fields catch up but adding stress in drier areas, according to the province. The provincial crop report for July 21-27 outlined that while overall crop conditions remain mostly good, limited rainfall and high temperatures are beginning to reduce soil moisture and strain some crops. Only scattered thunderstorms brought precipitation last week, with the highest amounts reported near Coleville at 25 millimetres (mm), followed by Calder at 24 mm and Rabbit Lake at 22 mm. Most other regions received between 10 mm and 20 mm. As a result of the sustained warm weather, topsoil moisture levels have declined. Provincially cropland moisture is rated at five per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 27 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hayland and pasture conditions show similar trends, with increasingly more areas reporting short moisture levels. Winter cereals are largely in good to excellent condition as harvest slowly approaches, while spring cereals continue to develop with heads filling. Oilseed crops are also mostly in good condition, though high temperatures during flowering caused some stress. These crops have now largely moved into the podding stage. Pulse crops remain mixed, with roughly two-thirds to three-quarters rated good to excellent, but some fields are still struggling due to earlier moisture stress. Haying progress continued despite humid conditions slowing cutting and baling. About 50 per cent of first-cut hay has been baled or put into silage, while 28 per cent is cut and lying in swath and 22 per cent remains standing. A small number of producers have begun second cuts. Hay quality for first cut is rated 29 per cent excellent, 62 per cent is good and nine per cent fair. Second-cut hay is generally rated fair to good. Producers reported heat and dry soil as the main sources of crop stress last week, particularly in southern and western regions where additional rainfall is needed to support seed development. Minor pest activity, including cabbage seed pod weevil, aphids and gophers was reported in some areas. In response, producers continued in-crop spraying, including insecticides and fungicides in parts of the province. With fungicide applications winding down, many farmers are beginning to shift focus toward harvest preparation, including servicing equipment, cleaning bins and planning desiccation. The full report can be found here.
