BATTLEFORDS - With seeding being completed, many producers are now evaluating their crops, according to the crop report for the period of June 13 to 19. Producers in the northwest were able to seed all acres this year and are experiencing some environmental stress due to dry conditions. Twenty-one per cent of seeded, 34 per cent of forage and 37 per cent of pasture acres are experiencing environmental stress due to dry conditions. There is no reported damage due to flooding in the region.
Crops in the region are either at normal stages of development for this time of year or are ahead in development. Fall cereals are the most advanced, with 42 per cent of the crop ahead of normal development. Oilseeds are the most behind in development in the region, with nine per cent behind normal stages of development for this time of year.
The entire region received rain this week, ranging from 63 mm in the Shellbrook area to 15 mm in the Hafford area. Many producers are grateful for the moisture. The rain replenished topsoil moisture levels throughout the region. Four per cent of cropland topsoil has a surplus of moisture, 77 per cent is adequate, 15 per cent is short and four per cent is very short.
Hay and pasture topsoil moisture was also replenished with the rain this week. Five percent of hay and pasture topsoil has a surplus of moisture, 66 per cent is adequate, 23 per cent is short and seven per cent is very short.
The recent rain also alleviated some water supply pressure for livestock producers, although some are experiencing severe shortages and many are anticipating a shortage later in the year. Many are also concerned about the quality of the available water.
Producers are currently applying in-crop pesticides and are scouting their fields, controlling grasshopper populations, working cattle and preparing for haying. All while watching their moisture levels closely and are hoping for additional rain showers.
