Although recent rainfall has helped crop growth within local farms, more moisture will be needed in the coming weeks to aid crop development, according to Saskatchewan’s weekly crop report. This week, Turtleford accumulated the most rainfall with 188.5 millimetres out of the northwest region, which includes Lloydminster.
Crops are currently behind their normal growth stages for this time of year with crops in the region ranging from poor to excellent condition. Fifty-nine per cent of the spring cereals, 55 per cent of the oilseeds and 73 per cent of the pulse crops are their normal stages of growth for this time of year.
Topsoil moisture conditions have remained similar to last week with cropland soil rated as 71 per cent adequate and 22 per cent short and hayland and pasture topsoil rated as 66 per cent adequate and 27 per cent short.
Producers say they will need to find alternative feed sources due to expectations of hay yields being below average. Haying with being soon in most of the region as in-crop herbicide applications wrap up and fungicide applications start soon.
The majority of crop damage has been the result of strong winds, hail, localized flooding and insects. According to the report, farmers are busy maintaining equipment and preparing for haying.