WEYBURN - Extreme heat and drought continue to take their toll on crops in the region, according to the weekly crop report for the period of July 28 to 24. Many crops are showing signs of severe stress and reduced yield potential.
Crops will be drying down rapidly due to the heat, meaning producers will start harvest in the next week or two and desiccation of lentil and pea crops is already underway across portions of the region. Producers with later seeded crops are hoping for some rain to ensure maximum seed fill. Some areas of the region did receive rain, but for many it will be too little and too late.
The Indian Head and Glenavon areas received the largest amounts of rain with 37 and 34 mm respectfully but overall, most of the region received insignificant amounts ranging from two to six mm. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 15 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 34 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent adequate, 34 per cent short and 58 per cent very short.
Haying is almost complete in the region with five per cent of the hay crop still standing and 77 per cent of it baled or put up for silage. Livestock producers will be working quickly to wrap up their haying operations since grain harvesting is right around the corner. In some areas of the region, hay yields are lower than last year but their quality is still high, with 81 per cent being rated as good and 19 per cent as fair. Those who are experiencing lower yields will be looking for other sources of feed.
Crop conditions vary within the region, with a majority in poor-to-good condition. Crops on heavier soil that have been retaining moisture look far better than any crop on lighter sandy soil.
Most of the crop damage this past week was due to drought stress, heat and damage caused by grasshoppers and gophers. Producers are busy finishing up haying, conducting yield assessments and getting their harvest plans sorted out.
