NORTH BATTLEFORD - Harvest has not begun in the region as the majority of crops are maturing very slowly and some producers have begun applications of desiccants on their field peas and lentils. Most of the region saw hot, dry weather this past week and this has helped ripen the crop slightly. Most crops still require a week or more of similar weather to get to a stage where pre-harvest or harvest activities can be carried out.
There was very little rain received this week in the northwest region, ranging from nil to 11 mm in the Livelong area, the Mayfair area received nine mm and the Speers and Turtleford areas received six mm. Producers have noted that pastures throughout the region could use a good rain as they are becoming quite dry in some areas. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and 15 per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate and 18 per cent short.
The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind and some small hailstorms that accompanied the rain showers. Producers have noted that crop disease has been higher than previous years even in fields that had more than one fungicide application. This is likely due to this year’s wetter more humid conditions, favouring disease growth, compared to the previous drier years.
