ASSINIBOIA - Warm and dry conditions persisted in the southwest this past week and crops are progressing quickly, according to the crop report for the period of July 4 to July 10. Producers in the southwest are hoping for rain soon.
Many regions of the southwest reported only trace amounts of rain this week. The most rain reported was four mm received in the Leader area leading to further topsoil moisture degradation. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently 10 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short, and 48 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land are similar; five per cent of topsoil has adequate moisture, 46 per cent is short, and 49 per cent is very short.
Crops are either in normal stages of development for this time of year or are more advanced. Fall cereals are the most advanced, with 39 per cent ahead in development. Crop conditions in the southwest are spread between good to very poor condition. Winter wheat is in the best condition, with 84 per cent of the crop in good condition. Canary seed is in the poorest condition, with 77 per cent of the crop in very poor condition.
Producers are nearing the completion of their first cut of hay with only 14 per cent still standing. Eighteen per cent has been cut, and 68 per cent has been baled or silaged for the year. The quality of the hay ranged from excellent to fair, with the majority being either good or fair quality.
Crop damage this week is due to heat stress and dry conditions and grasshoppers continue to be a problem. Producers are busy working cattle and haying.
