ASSINIBOIA - Despite recent patchy rain in the region, many areas are still in need of significant rainfall to help crops recover from the frequent strong winds and dry conditions. Overall crops are in fair to good shape but some are rapidly and prematurely advancing due to drought stress. In other areas the crop is delayed and warmer temperatures are needed to help with growth.
Rainfall in the region ranged from small amounts to 67 mm in the Vanguard area. The Maple Creek area received 55 mm of rain, the Consul area 42 mm, the Shaunavon and Gull Lake areas 40 mm, the Cabri area 33 mm, the Eyebrow area received 32 mm, the Rockglen area 27 mm, the Limerick area nine mm, the Hazenmore area eight mm, the Kyle area six mm.
Topsoil moisture conditions have slightly improved with the recent rainfall. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 40 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 11 per cent very short. Crop District 3AN is reporting that 11 per cent of the cropland and 33 per cent of the hay and pasture land is very short topsoil moisture at this time.
Haying operations have begun in the region, although progress is slow due to lack of growth. Livestock producers now have nine per cent of the hay crop cut and six per cent is baled or put into silage. Hay quality at this time is rated as 19 per cent excellent, 44 per cent good, 31 per cent fair and six per cent poor. Hay yields are expected to be well below normal and more rain is needed to help with growth.
Pasture conditions are currently rated as 11 per cent excellent, 11 per cent good, 34 per cent fair, 38 per cent poor and six per cent very poor.
The majority of crop damage this past week was due to strong winds, hail and drought. Gophers and grasshoppers continue to damage many fields and producers are busy controlling them as time and conditions allow. Producers are also busy spraying fungicides when warranted.
