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By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan Crop Report 2021

Dry conditions stressing crops and farmers

Jul 8, 2021 | 2:09 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — Saskatchewan’s weekly crop report is emphasizing the need for rain but in some cases that moisture may come too late.

Shannon Friesen is a crops extension specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture.

She said every region of the province echoed the concerns about dry conditions and the need for rain. With little rainfall and the recent heat wave, crops are advancing rapidly and yield potential and crop quality will be impacted.

“We had such a long, extended period of very hot weather coupled with a lack of moisture over the last couple of weeks,” Friesen said. “Of course, we had some strong winds as well. We have seen quite a bit of damage to our crops.”

Friesen said rainfall last week ranged from zero to 21 millimeters in the Wynyard, Rosetown and Porcupine Plain areas. Much of the province did not receive any rainfall or received so little it did not make a difference to topsoil moisture levels. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as zero per cent surplus, 18 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 31 per cent very short.

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Livestock producers continue with haying operations with estimated yields lower than anticipated, with many producers indicating a second cut will not happen this year.

Hay and pastureland topsoil moisture is rated as zero per cent surplus, 13 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 43 per cent very short.

Friesen said the conditions are taking a toll on farmers. She said if producers are struggling, help is just a phone call away.

“The Farm Stress Line is available for support if anybody needs it. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is a confidential, anonymous service,” she said.

The stress line toll free number is 1-800-667-4442.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW