Released on July 23, 2009
Topsoil moisture conditions continue to improve across most of the province due to the moisture received over the past two weeks, but crop development remains behind normal according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.
Across the province, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 80 per cent adequate, while hay and pasture land topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 70 per cent adequate. Eighteen per cent of the cropland and 26 per cent of the hay and pasture land is short of topsoil moisture.
All crops are reported to be in good to fair condition; however, crop development is two to three weeks behind normal.
Twenty-four per cent of the province's hay crop has been cut, and 22 per cent has been baled or put into silage. Seventy-six per cent of the hay crop is rated as good to fair in quality. Fifty-two per cent of the hay crop is still standing. The expected average dry land hay yield is 0.8 tonne per acre for both alfalfa and brome/alfalfa stands. Irrigated alfalfa is expected to yield on average 2.4 tonnes per acre, while irrigated brome/alfalfa is expected to yield 2.2 tonnes per acre.
While the rain and warmer weather have resulted in some improvement in hay crops, yields in most regions of the province are expected to be below average, and some regions could see yields reduced by 50 per cent or more.
Farmers are busy with scouting and controlling insects. Grasshoppers and gophers are causing crop damage in the southern and west-central areas. Wheat midge has emerged and is damaging crops in certain areas in the north. Pea aphids are showing up in certain areas. Some areas of the east-central and northwestern regions of the province experienced frost. Farmers would appreciate some heat to advance crops.
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For more information, contact:
Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 694-3592