Crop Districts 6B – Hanley, Outlook, Loreburn, Saskatoon and Arelee areas;
Crop District 7A – Rosetown, Kindersley, Eston, Major;
Crop District 7B - Kerrobert, Macklin, Wilkie and Biggar areas
For the Period July 9 to July 15, 2019
| West-Central |
| |
% Ahead |
% Normal |
% Behind |
| Fall Cereals |
16 |
50 |
34 |
| Spring Cereals |
2 |
60 |
38 |
| Oilseeds |
0 |
55 |
45 |
| Pulse Crops |
2 |
73 |
25 |
Crops are advancing across the region, and the majority are normal-to-behind in their development. Fifty per cent of the fall cereals, 60 per cent of the spring cereals, 55 per cent of the oilseeds and 73 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Generally, most crops are in poor-to-good condition, but this is variable throughout the region.
Rainfall last week ranged from small amounts up to 45 mm in the Eyebrow and Landis areas. The Rosthern area reported 6 mm, the Rosetown area up to 16 mm, the Macklin area 13 mm and the Smiley area 10 mm. The Macklin area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (182.5 mm). Topsoil moisture conditions improved this past week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 71 per cent adequate and 29 per cent short, while hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 52 per cent adequate, 46 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Livestock producers now have 20 per cent of the hay crop cut and nine per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 41 per cent good, 41 per cent fair and 18 per cent poor. As a result of the lack of moisture in the spring, hay yields will be below average. Although hay crops and pastures have improved, yields are significantly lower than average and, as a result, producers will need to find alternative feed sources. Pasture conditions have improved from the moisture, but they will have a reduced livestock carrying capacity.
Fungicide applications are taking place to mainly pulses and other crops. Crop damage this past week was from hail, strong winds, a lack of moisture and insects such as grasshoppers.
Producers are busy haying, fencing, fixing equipment and getting ready for harvest.