ESTEVAN - Heavy rain throughout parts of the region caused flooding and have drowned out some crops that were seeded in low laying areas. Producers have noted that some of the crops such as barley, field peas and lentils are in standing water and are starting to look yellow. However, overall crops in the region appear to be in good shape and producers are happy with what they see in their fields.
Regionally, 68 per cent of the fall cereals, 47 per cent of the spring cereals, 36 per cent of the oilseed crops and 46 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Crop conditions range from fair to good in the region, with 74 per cent of the spring wheat, 66 per of the canola and 63 per cent of the lentils being in good condition currently.
Most of the region received much needed rainfall this week with some areas experiencing minor to severe flooding. The Broadview areas reported 76 mm, the Odessa area 65 mm, the Wilcox area 45 mm, the Tantallon area 21 mm and the Cedoux area 10 mm. While many parts of the region have received consistent rain since April 1, many producers in the west half of the region are noting that their crops are struggling due to a lack of moisture and would like to see it rain.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as twelve per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate and ten per cent short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate, six per cent short and one per cent very short.
Haying was delayed a day or two due to rainy conditions and producers have just begun in the region, with only two per cent of the hay crop cut and less than one per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 29 per cent excellent and 71 per cent good. Since much of the region has received adequate moisture since April 1 the hay crop in the southeast looks very good and livestock producers are looking forward to replenishing their livestock feed supplies
The majority of crop damage this week was due to flooding, hail, gophers and insect pests such as flea beetles, cutworms and grasshoppers. Some producers have already sprayed fields multiple times in order to get the flea beetles and grasshoppers under control and reduce the impact on their crops. Producers have noted that gopher populations are on the rise as well and they have caused significant damage in some fields.
