Released on August 5, 2010
Saskatchewan producers have 82 per cent of the hay crop cut and 60 per cent baled or put into silage, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.
The quality of the hay crop is rated as 17 per cent excellent, 63 per cent good and 10 per cent fair. Haying has progressed furthest in the south, where 86 per cent of the crop has been cut and 68 per cent baled or put into silage. The central regions of the province have 75 per cent of the crop cut and 50 per cent baled or put into silage, and the northern regions have 79 per cent cut and 55 per cent baled or put into silage. High humidity and rain showers continue to slow haying progress. Thunderstorms continue in parts of the province, dropping hail and large amounts of rain.
Harvest has just begun in the southern regions. Fall rye is being swathed and winter wheat combined. Crops are one to two weeks behind normal in development in most areas of the province.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent surplus, 72 per cent adequate and six per cent short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.
The majority of crop damage is being caused by flooding and hail. Insects, disease, gophers and wind are also causing crop damage.
Farmers are busy haying, scouting fields and controlling crop diseases and insects.
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For more information, contact:
Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592