MarketsFarm — Hot and humid conditions saw crops in Saskatchewan advance quickly during the week ended Monday, according to the latest provincial crop report — although the humidity has slowed haying.
When humidity is high, cutting hay becomes more challenging and hay that is cut does not dry down as quickly, which can result in lower quality feed, the report said. Canola across the province has suffered from the heat and humidity. Many producers were reporting that their crops have experienced heat blasting and were worried about the effect it will have on their yields. If the heat continues with minimal rainfall, crops will be ready for harvest sooner than normal, similar to the 2021 harvest.
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Many areas in the province experienced extreme weather systems this past week with hail, thunderstorms and even tornadoes — leaving crops, buildings and trees damaged.
Provincially, 74 per cent of the fall cereals, 65 per cent of the spring cereals, 61 per cent of the oilseeds and 74 per cent of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Producers indicated cereals were heading out and were hopeful heads will fill now that moisture is adequate in many areas. Canola was flowering and podding throughout the province.
Several localized storms resulted in some damage from lodging and minor flooding.
For many producers in areas that have dealt with dry conditions since the beginning of the growing season, the rain will not improve their crops at this time. However, the moisture will improve their chances for a second cut of hay — and will improve pasture conditions.
Cropland topsoil moisture was rated as nine per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture was rated as seven per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 24 per cent short and eight per cent very short.
