More rain needed

There has been some rain, but more is needed as Saskatchewan Agriculture released its latest Crop Report for July 7-13.

The weekend rain has helped with the moisture stress issues but the ag ministry notes more will be needed to help crops fill. Some areas got several inches of precipitation while others reported only small amounts. 

As well, concerns continue about a possible hay shortage with many swaths significantly smaller than normal and pasture growth described as limited. 

According to that report livestock producers have 32 per cent of the hay crop cut and 38 per cent baled or put into silage. 

Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 48 per cent good, 34 per cent fair and 14 per cent poor. 

There has been a slight improvement seen to topsoil moisture province wide. The ag ministry reports conditions on cropland rated as one per cent surplus, 44 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 19 per cent very short. 

Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated 33 per cent adequate, 39 per cent short and 28 per cent very short in the province. 

As well, the ag ministry reports 59 per cent of fall cereals, 62 per cent spring cereals, 60 per cent oilseeds and 58 per cent of pulse crops are at normal stages of development for this time of year. 

Conditions vary for crops across the province, ranging from poor to good. The crop damage can be blamed on the lack of moisture as well as insects such as grasshoppers and wheat midge.