Released on July 23, 2007
Hot, dry weather this past week has advanced crop development and haying operations, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.
Fall cereals are reported to be at least 79 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 92 per cent at or ahead of normal development. Spring cereals are reported to be at least 55 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 84 per cent at or ahead of normal development. Oilseed crops are reported to be 72 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 81 per cent at or ahead of normal development. Pulse crops are about 60 per cent in good to excellent condition, with 92 per cent of the crop at or ahead of normal development.
Topsoil moisture conditions are reported as adequate on about 50 per cent of crop, hay and pasture land, with 46 per cent of the land in a short or very short moisture situation. Many areas are looking for a respite from the heat and a final rain to fill the crops.
Drought and heat stress were the main sources of crop damage. Other sources of damage during the past week were flooding, hail, disease, insects and gophers.
Haying operations made good progress during the past week and 65 per cent of the first-cut hay crop has been baled or put into silage. Some south western and west central areas have begun work on a second cut of hay.
Pasture conditions have deteriorated since the end of June, with 56 per cent of reporters rating pastures as good to excellent, compared with 95 per cent in June.
Livestock water supplies have also deteriorated since the end of June, with 95 per cent reporting adequate supplies, compared with 99 per cent in June.
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For more information, contact:
Terry Bedard
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956
Email: tbedard@agr.gov.sk.ca