WEYBURN - Many producers are preparing to harvest some of their pulse crops this week, according to the crop report for the period of July 25 to 31. Although excess moisture caused a delay in seeding this spring, the warm and dry conditions brought crops up to the same stages as the majority of the province.
Minimal rain was received this week with five mm of rain being the most recorded in the Avonlea area while other areas of the southeast received only trace amounts. The warm and dry conditions persisted this past week and soil moisture continues to be limited.
Currently, 12 per cent of cropland has adequate moisture, 48 per cent short and 40 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land soil moisture is even more limited, with seven per cent rated as adequate, 32 per cent short and 61 per cent very short. Producers are hoping for rain this fall and snow this winter to help with topsoil moisture next spring.
Pastures in the region are seeing the effects of limited moisture. Twenty-one per cent are in fair condition, 58 per cent are poor and 16 per cent are very poor.
Crop damage this week was due to drought, high temperatures and grasshoppers. Producers are busy finishing their haying and silage operations, preparing combines and getting ready for harvest.
