Livestock producers in the southeast are closely monitoring their water supply for the summer.

"Thirty-three per cent of producers are experiencing moderate water shortages already, while 67 per cent are anticipating water shortages," said Mackenzie Hladun, a crop extension specialist with Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture. "Also, water quality concerns can be raised this time of year and if there are any concerns, producers are encouraged to bring in water samples to the Moose Jaw regional office and we can do water quality testing."

With seeding now concluded, crops in the area are looking to be in really good condition.

"Most of the crops are at normal stages of development for this time of year," she remarked. "Fall cereals are the most advanced in the area with 23 per cent of the crop ahead of normal for this time of year. Oilseeds are the furthest behind in the region, with 32 per cent of the crop behind normal."

Hladun says farmers in the southeast were happy to see the rain that fell over the past week.

"Top soil moisture is rated at four per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and two per cent very short for crop land. The most notable rain events that happened this week were 26 mm in the Alida area and 27 mm in Radville. For hay and pasture land, our top soil moisture is one per cent surplus, 54 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and two per cent very short."

She notes producers are busy with in-crop spraying. They're also out scouting their fields and monitoring pastures and getting ready for haying and working cattle.

Hladun adds grasshoppers have been identified as a primary concern for farmers in the southeast region and there have been some reports of gopher pressures.

This can be a stressful time for farmers. The Farm Stress Line provides support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.