ASSINIBOIA - Rainfall that moved through the region this past week helped with limited soil moisture levels, according to the crop report for the period of June 13 to 19. Many areas in the region are experiencing dry conditions resulting in 31 per cent of seeded acres, 36 per cent of forages and 34 per cent of pastures experiencing environmental stress.
Crops are at normal stages of development for this time of year. Fall cereals are the most advanced, with 15 per cent of the crop ahead of normal for this time of year. Some fall cereals are also the most behind in development, 16 per cent are behind normal.
This past week 33 mm of rain was recorded in the Vanguard region, while others in the Consul region recorded as little as half a mm. Fifty-six per cent of cropland topsoil moisture is adequate, 35 per cent is short and nine per cent is very short.
Hay and pasture acres are beginning to experience a shortage in topsoil moisture. Forty-eight per cent of topsoil moisture is adequate, 38 per cent is short and 15 per cent is very short. Producers in the region are also worried about their water quality for livestock this summer and are anticipating water supply shortages again this year.
Many producers in the region are hoping for more rain soon to help with moisture levels. Currently, many are in-crop spraying for grasshoppers, which is the most concerning issue right now. Producers are also evaluating feed sources for this coming year and working cattle.
