Census Division 14 – Choiceland, Hudson Bay, Kelvington, Melfort, and Nipawin areas
Census Division 15 – Cudworth, Humboldt, Kinistino, Prince Albert, Rosthern and St. Brieux areas
For the Period July 16 to 22, 2024
The region continues to experience hot and dry conditions which has quickened crop development but overall, the crops in the region have fared quite well in the heat compared to other areas of the province. Heavy precipitation earlier in the season which resulted in excess soil moisture is the saving factor for crops in the region.
Very little rainfall was received in the region this week and the hot dry weather allowed for topsoil moisture ratings to decline. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 71 per cent adequate and 29 per cent short. Hayland is rated as one per cent surplus, 69 per cent adequate and 30 per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate and 31 per cent short. Crops are holding on, but more rain is needed to ensure minimal damage from the heat and to aid in seed fill.
Crop conditions in the region are rated from fair to good, with the largest percentage being good. Some parts of the region have fared better than others; these areas received a high amount of precipitation early in the season and this reserve has allowed crops to survive the heat. In the drier areas however, producers are hoping for rain soon so they do not see their crops deteriorate further.
Haying operations are mostly wrapped up with 29 per cent of the crop cut and 55 per cent baled or up as silage. The quality of hay remains high with 28 per cent rated as excellent, 54 per cent good, 14 per cent fair and four per cent poor.
Where disease was observed, producers have applied fungicides to suppress disease and proactively control it; they will be monitoring these fields closely. There are still minor reports of flooding damage where standing water remains in fields, minor reports of wind were also reported to have caused lodging in cereal crops. Heat and lack of moisture have been reported as minor to moderate in the region.
For more information about Northeastern Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.