Crop District 5 – Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas;
Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas
For the Period July 31 to August 6, 2018
Most producers in the region are just beginning harvest. Two per cent of the crop is now combined, just ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) average of one per cent for this time of year. Seven per cent of the crop is swathed or ready to straight-cut.
Little to no rainfall was received last week, although the Elfros area reported 1 mm, the Allan area 5 mm and the Meacham area 2 mm. The Langenburg area has received the most precipitation (390 mm) in the region since April 1. Crops are rapidly drying down with the lack of moisture and recent hot temperatures. For some later-seeded crops, rain will help fill pods and heads; however, for crops that are already mature , any future rain will be of little benefit.
Topsoil moisture conditions have significantly worsened since last week. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 26 per cent adequate, 47 per cent short and 27 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 19 per cent adequate, 49 percent short and 32 per cent very short. Crop District 6A is reporting that 44 per cent of the cropland and 51 per cent of the hay land and pasture are very short topsoil moisture at this time.
Reported yields so far are about average, although some winter cereal yields are less than expected. Crop damage last week is attributed to strong winds, lack of moisture and hot temperatures. There have been some reports of bertha armyworms, but damage appears to be minimal at this time.
Producers are busy combining, swathing canola and hauling bales.