Haying is advancing for livestock producers as 57 per cent of the hay crop has now been baled or put into silage, with an additional 22 per cent cut and ready for baling, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.
Rain showers and high humidity continue to delay haying progress and have decreased hay quality in some areas. At this time, nine per cent of the hay crop is rated as excellent in quality, 82 per cent good, eight per cent fair and one per cent poor.
Much of the province received rainfall this past week ranging from small amounts to several inches. The rain has helped alleviate dry conditions in some southern areas, although additional moisture is needed soon to help crops mature and fill. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 12 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Storms brought heavy rain, strong winds and damaging hail to some areas of the province. Wheat midge and grasshoppers are causing some crop damage, as are diseases such as root rot, sclerotinia and leaf spots.
Farmers are busy haying, controlling pests and getting ready for harvest.
Follow the 2014 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
