Rapid crop development has been observed throughout most of the province as crop specialists headed into the second full week of July.
The provincial crop report issued last week, indicated growing conditions have been optimal in most area.
Fifty-one per cent of the fall cereals are in the dough stage while 34 per cent of spring cereals are heading out, said Shannon Friesen from the Agriculture Ministry’s office in Moose Jaw.
Twenty per cent of flax, 80 per cent of canola and mustard and 69 per cent of the pulse crops were flowering as of last week.
Haying continues as livestock producers have 18 per cent of that crop cut and 11 per cent has been baled or put into silage.
For the most part, the weather has been favourable for plant growth with high humidity and frequent rain showers. That has, though prevented hay crops from drying.
Hay quality is rated as 12 per cent excellent and 72 per cent good and 14 per cent fair. Pastures are growing well and are rated as 24 per cent excellent, 61 per cent good, and 13 per cent fair and only two per cent are rated poor.
Most of the province received rainfall in late June and early July with an area around Outlook reported 95 mm while many other regions reported well over 25 mm of rain.
Topsoil moisture on croplands around the province are rated as nine per cent surplus and 85 per cent adequate with only six per cent coming up short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated at three per cent surplus and 89 per cent adequate, with only eight per cent being rated short or very short.
Crop damage throughout the first week in July was attributed to localized flooding, some strong winds, such as those that struck the southeast region, or disease. Hail has been reported in a few areas, including the Bienfait region just this past week, but there was no assessment as to how much damage it caused or how far ranging that weather system was.
With the continuation of high humidity and wetter conditions, many producers are applying fungicides to crops, said Friesen.
Many producers are now out haying or scouting fields for diseases and insects.
