Released on July 15, 2010
Saskatchewan producers have 16 per cent of the 2010 hay crop cut and 10 per cent baled or put into silage, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.
The hay crop quality is rated as 31 per cent excellent and 49 per cent good. Haying has progressed furthest in the south, where 22 per cent of the crop has been cut. Rain is slowing progress, and thunderstorms continue to move across the province.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 38 per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Topsoil moisture on hay land and pasture is rated as 23 per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate and two per cent short.
Some warmer weather has helped advance crops; however, most are still one to two weeks behind normal in development. Sixty-two per cent of the province's fall-seeded cereals are at a normal stage of development, but 67 per cent of the spring-seeded cereals, 66 per cent of the oilseeds and 58 per cent of the pulses are behind normal in development.
Eighty-two per cent of the winter wheat, 87 per cent of the fall rye and 91 per cent of the triticale are in good to excellent condition. Seventy-nine per cent of the spring wheat, 82 per cent of the durum, 78 per cent of the oats, barley and flax, 73 per cent of the canola, 83 per cent of the mustard, 76 per cent of the lentils, 77 per cent of the peas, 77 per cent of the canaryseed and 89 per cent of the chickpeas are in good to fair condition.
The majority of crop damage is caused by flooding, hail and wind. Leaf diseases, root rot and gophers are also causing damage. Grasshoppers are causing crop damage in areas in the south.
Farmers are busy haying, scouting fields and trying to control crop disease. Rain and wet fields continue to make field operations difficult.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Grant McLean
Agriculture
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3592