Despite the hot and dry conditions, we have been experiencing, crops in the area remain in good condition, according to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Topsoil moisture levels have fallen in the area. Cropland topsoil moisture sits at four per cent surplus, 77 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and six per cent very short.
Hay land moisture levels are 77 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and four per cent very short. Pasture land topsoil moisture in 72 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and six per cent very short.
“The lack of moisture within some areas of the region is contributing to crop stress, with producers concerned about crop deterioration if dry and hot conditions persist. In other areas of the province, excess moisture conditions are still playing a role in crop damage and crop yellowing in some fields,” said crops extension specialist Meghan Rosso.
Haying operations are coming along nicely in the region, according to the crop report. Hay quality is rated as 25 per cent excellent, 69 per cent good and six per cent fair. Producers have reported longer drying time for hay with higher humidity.
Rosso noted that crop development has fallen behind, but the hot conditions are expected to help with progress.
Some major storms hit south of Moose Jaw last week. However, only minor hail damage was reported. The majority of damage reported in the past week was caused by gophers and grasshoppers.
A few regions in the southern part of the province have started to see insect damage to flowering canola.
“Cabbage seedpod weevils are starting to emerge in the southwest part of the province, so producers will need to keep an eye on flowering canola in the coming weeks to assess pressure,” said Rosso.
Over the next week, producers will be busy monitoring fields for disease and insect damage. Haying operations will continue throughout the region with the drier conditions expected to continue.