Local crops continue to advance due to the warm weather and recent rainfall, according to Saskatchewan’s weekly crop report. Lloydminster and Turtleford accumulated the most rainfall out of the Northwest region this week recording 32 millimetres and 40 millimetres, respectively. Turtleford has received the most precipitation in the region since April 1, with 228.5 millimetres.
The July 2 to July 8 report says many crops are behind in development for this time of year. Seventy-three per cent of the fall cereals and 39 per cent of the spring cereals are at the heading stage, while 44 per cent of the canola and mustard and 75 per cent of the pulse crops are flowering.
Recent rainfall has improved pastures although storage will still be reduced. Pasture conditions are rated as six per cent excellent, 36 per cent good, 39 per cent fair, 18 percent poor and one per cent very poor.
Livestock producers expect hay yields are to be below average this season. The region has three per cent of hay cut and one per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 67 per cent good and 33 per cent fair.
The majority of crop damage this past week was from strong winds, hail, insects such as grasshoppers and a lack of moisture. Farmers in the region have begun fungicide applications, along with haying.