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Crop report: producers hope rain helps later seeded crops

Producers are optimistic about their yields since much of the region received a normal amount of rain compared to last year where they were abnormally dry.
Inland grain terminal  North Battleford
Producers are optimistic about their yields since much of the region received a normal amount of rain compared to last year where they were abnormally dry.

NORTH BATTLEFORD - The region received a much needed rain this past week which many producers hope isn’t too late to help the later seeded crops as they begin to mature and fill with seed.

Crops in the region are still a week or two from being harvested and they need some dry hot weather for them to fully mature and dry down. Producers are optimistic about their yields since much of the region received a normal amount of rain compared to last year where they were abnormally dry.

The rain was widespread across the region this week with most areas receiving 20-35 mm of precipitation. . The St. Walburg area received 57 mm and the Frenchman Butte, North Battleford and Mayfair areas all received 42 mm. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as eight per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and 13 per cent short.

The rainy weather has delayed haying operations in the region and some producers have still not finished, the rain has also caused some feed to become mouldy, reducing yield and quality. Overall, hay yields in the region look very good and producers for the most part should not have an issue with winter feed supplies.

The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind and heavy rains lodging crops. Producers continue to watch their crops struggle with disease now that the moisture has allowed fungal pathogens to gain the upper hand, at this point of the season there is little producers can do to address these issues.

Farmers are busy finishing haying and baling, hauling grain and getting bins and equipment ready for harvest.