Warmer and drier weather across much of Saskatchewan over the past week has boosted crop development and given producers a window to make progress on haying, though localized severe storms continue to pose challenges across the province.
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According to the latest provincial crop report released last Thursday for the period of July 14 to July 20, half of Saskatchewan’s hay crop has been cut, with 28 per cent baled or put up as silage and 29 per cent currently sitting in the cut stage. The remaining 43 per cent stands in the field. Overall hay quality is faring well, rated as 89 per cent good to excellent.
While higher temperatures helped push crops closer to seasonal development targets, oilseeds, spring cereals and annual forages continue to lag behind normal growth stages. In contrast, fall cereals are leading the way, with the highest percentage of acres tracking on schedule.
The week’s weather also brought localized thunderstorms, high humidity, and heavy moisture to several regions. Bienfait recorded the highest rainfall in the province at 126 millimetres, followed by Meadow Lake at 73 mm and Lampman at 48 mm.
The humid conditions, combined with recent rain, have heightened the risk of crop disease. In response, many producers are actively applying fungicides to suppress disease pressure and protect vulnerable fields.
Producers across various regions reported minor to severe crop damage caused by localized flooding, high heat, hail, and strong winds, which led to lodged cereal crops. Pest damage from gophers and cabbage seedpod weevils was noted as minor to moderate, while root rot continues to affect fields that have remained wet throughout the season.
Despite the localized drying, overall topsoil moisture remains stable. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 77 per cent adequate and 12 per cent in surplus, while pasture and hayland topsoil moisture are both sitting at over 75 per cent adequate.
Over the coming weeks, producers are expected to finish fungicide applications and haying operations while turning their focus toward harvest preparation and equipment maintenance.
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