As of July 21 haying continues in the province and livestock producers now have 42 per cent of the hay crop baled or put into silage, with an additional 49 per cent cut and ready for baling, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.
Rain showers and high humidity have delayed haying and decreased hay quality in some areas. Thirteen per cent is rated as excellent in quality, 77 per cent good, eight per cent fair and two per cent poor. Hay yields are slightly below the five-year average (2009-2013). On irrigated land, the estimated average hay yields are 1.9 tons per acre for alfalfa, 1.8 tons per acre for alfalfa/brome hay, 1.4 tons per acre for other tame hay and 2.3 tons per acre for wild hay and greenfeed.
Rain during the week ranged from trace amounts to 84 mm in the Nipawin area. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 10 per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 13 per centshort and three per cent very short. Some areas in the south are drier than normal and will soon need moisture to help crops mature Warm weather has helped advance crops and the majority are in fair to excellent condition.
