Hot, dry conditions across Saskatchewan over the past week have driven rapid crop development, providing a welcome boost to delayed fields while putting additional strain on drier regions, according to the latest provincial crop report.
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For the week of July 21 to July 27, crop conditions across the province remained mostly good, though overall progress continues to be variable. High temperatures during flowering periods created stress for some oilseed crops, which have now mostly transitioned out of the flowering phase and into podding.
Scattered thunderstorms provided limited relief, with the Coleville area recording the highest precipitation at 25 millimetres, followed by Calder at 24 millimetres and Rabbit Lake at 22 millimetres. Most other areas reported modest rainfall between 10 and 20 millimetres.
The dry stretch caused cropland topsoil moisture levels to decline, with 67 per cent now rated as adequate, 27 per cent short, five per cent surplus, and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture dropped to 58 per cent adequate and 36 per cent short.
Producers also contended with humid conditions that slowed haying operations. First-cut haying progress stands at 50 per cent baled or silaged, 28 per cent cut and in swath, and 22 per cent standing, with quality rated 62 per cent good and 29 per cent excellent.
With fungicide and in-crop spraying wrapping up, many farmers across the province are beginning to transition toward harvest preparation, including equipment servicing and bin maintenance.
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