MOOSE JAW — Even with lots of scattered rain showers during the last week, many livestock producers are worried about water.
Fifty-seven per cent of livestock producers are concerned about water supplies for this year, according to the weekly crop report compiled by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
Forty-six per cent are already experiencing moderate water supply shortages and many are concerned about livestock water quality.
Conditions in the southeast, which includes Moose Jaw, indicate one-third of crops, forage and pastures are dry.
In the southwest, dry conditions have hit 31 per cent of crops, 34 per cent of forage and 34 per cent of pastures.
One farmer northwest of Moose Jaw said crops are okay but need another rain to keep them developing.
Oilseed and pulse crops are the least developed with 15 per cent and eight per cent respectively ahead of normal development.
Just about one-third of fall cereals are ahead of normal growth for the time period.
Showers excited farmers and improved soil moisture in some places. Seventy-three per cent of cropland is adequate or surplus in moisture with one-quarter short and four per cent very short.
In hay and pastures, 60 per cent is surplus or adequate or surplus, 33 per cent short and seven per cent very short.
Grasshoppers and gophers are pressuring some crops.
