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Recent rains brought much-needed relief: Crop Report

Jul 5, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Recent rainfalls brought much-needed moisture to many areas of the province, but more will be needed in coming weeks according to the provincial crop report.

According to the report from the Ministry of Agriculture, last week’s scattered showers helped large portions of Saskatchewan, but some areas more than others. While some parts of the province only received trace amounts of rain, the Arborfield area was doused with 53 mm. The rainfalls have helped alleviate moisture concerns in some dry areas, the report stated, though more moisture will be required in coming weeks as crops continue to develop.

Despite the rain, topsoil conditions are still a concern due to high temperatures. The report said four per cent of cropland has surplus moisture while 62 per cent has adequate moisture, 29 per cent is short, and five per cent is very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil was slightly drier, with three per cent surplus, 52 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short, and 13 per cent very short.

Most of the provincial crops are in good condition and in normal development stages, the report stated, with 45 per cent of canola and mustard flowering. Twenty per cent of spring cereals are now heading, and 44 per cent of pulse crops are also flowering.

Hay yields in the province are so far much lower than average, according to the report. Pasture conditions were rated at six per cent excellent, 44 per cent good, 34 per cent fair, 13 per cent poor and three per cent very poor.

The majority of crop damage over the past week was caused by localized flooding, lack of moisture, and weather events such as strong winds and hail. Some local crops continue to suffer from root rot and other diseases due to excessive moisture.

 

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