HUMBOLDT - Seeding is complete in the region and producers are hoping for more rain soon, according to the crop report for the period of June 6 to 12. The recent rain was appreciated but with the hot days that followed, producers are saying their crops are once again suffering. Crops on lighter soils and hill tops are suffering the most from the dry conditions, more clay textured soils have begun to crack from the dryness.
There were only minor rain showers in the region this week ranging from three to eight mm. Producers hope more is on the forecast to ensure their crops do not start to rapidly decline. Regionally, the cropland topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate 13 per cent short and one per cent very short.
Regionally, 59 per cent of the fall cereals, 67 per cent of the spring cereals, 76 per cent of the oilseed crops and 66 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Some crops are ahead due to being seeded earlier than normal and the dry growing conditions. Crop conditions range from fair to excellent in the region, with 64 per cent of the spring wheat, 61 per of the canola and 66 per cent of the peas being in good condition currently.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to flea beetles. Farmers are currently spraying to keep flea beetle damage to a minimum. Producers would like less wind and milder days to help with spraying operations and to get crops growing rapidly.
