Released on July 8, 2010
Saskatchewan livestock producers have six per cent of the 2010 hay crop cut and one per cent baled, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report. The majority of hay is rated as good to excellent. Thunderstorms, heavy rain and, in some areas, hail continue to cause crop damage. Leaf diseases are causing crop damage as well.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 48 per cent surplus, 51 per cent adequate and one per cent short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 31 per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate and one per cent short.
Crops are behind normal in development. Sixty-three per cent of the fall cereals are in the heading stage of development, compared to 70 per cent at this time last year. Forty-one and 33 per cent of the spring cereals are in the tillering and jointing stages, respectively. Forty-nine and 35 per cent of the flax is in the seedling and stem extension stages, respectively. Forty-seven per cent of the canola and mustard is in the rosette stage, compared to 54 per cent at this time last year. Sixty-six and 30 per cent of the pulses are in the vegetative and flowering stages, respectively, compared to 57 and 40 per cent at this time last year. Crops across the province vary widely in development stages.
Crops are showing signs of stress due to the excess moisture; however, crops in areas that received little moisture last week have advanced nicely.
Farmers are busy haying, scouting fields and controlling crop diseases and weeds. Rain and wet fields continue to make field operations difficult.
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For more information, contact:
Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592
Email: grant.mclean@gov.sk.ca