Census Division 3 – Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Mankota, Ponteix and Rockglen areas
Census Division 4 – Cadillac, Consul, Eastend, Maple Creek and Val Marie areas
Census Division 7 – Beechy, Central Butte, Craik, Herbert, Hodgeville and Moose Jaw areas
Census Division 8 – Cabri, Elrose, Fox Valley, Leader, Swift Current and Tompkins areas
For the Period July 16 to 22, 2024
The region continues to experience hot and dry conditions which has quickened crop development and result in deteriorating crop conditions, especially in areas where lower amounts of precipitation have been received. Producers are hoping for rain soon to help lessen the impact of the heat on their crop yields, aid hayland regrowth and improve their pasture lands currently supporting livestock.
Rainfall was very minimal and very sporadic; the Shaunavon area reported 17 mm, the Consul area nine mm and the Hazenmore area five mm. This rain will do very little for the crops and pasture suffering through the heat wave. Topsoil moisture in the region has deteriorated greatly and the southwest remains the driest region in the province. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 24 per cent adequate, 46 per cent short and 30 per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 19 per cent adequate, 49 per cent short and 32 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 15 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 34 per cent very short. The heat and reduction in topsoil moisture is causing crop conditions to decline as the heat blasts flowers and reduces yield potential.
Most crops are reported to be in fair to good condition with a growing percentage being rated poor to fair as the heat and dry weather conditions persist. Early seeded crops appear to have tolerated the extreme conditions slightly better as they were more advanced than later seeded crops during the heat wave. Rain is desperately needed in many areas as producers report that they are seeing very little head or seed filling.
Haying operations are coming to a close with 25 per cent of hay now cut and 62 per cent baled or put up as silage. Due to the limited rainfall, there will be no second cut, which is very common for this region. Hay quality remains high at 26 per cent excellent, 66 per cent good, seven per cent fair and one per cent poor. Producers are working carefully due to the fire risk being very high.
Minor to severe crop damage was reported from gophers, grasshoppers, heat and lack of moisture. Pastures have also suffered from the heat and dry conditions and producers are wary about how long they will be able to support livestock if the weather does not improve. Producers will be prepping equipment for harvest as crops are quickly approaching maturity.
For more information about Southwestern Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.