YORKTON - The excess moisture in the spring has helped the crops stay in good condition in the east-central region, according to the crop report for the period of July 4 to July 10. Although the rain slowed seeding earlier in the season, many producers are hoping it will return to prevent crop conditions from regressing.
Only trace amounts of rain was received in the east-central region this week with seven mm of rain was recorded in the Foam Lake area. Topsoil moisture levels have diminished. One per cent of cropland topsoil moisture has a surplus of moisture, 27 per cent is adequate, 60 per cent is short and 13 per cent is very short. Similarly, one per cent of hay and pasture land has a surplus of topsoil moisture, 25 per cent is adequate, 60 per cent is short, while 14 per cent is very short.
Crops are either in normal stages of development or are advanced. Oilseeds are the most advanced crop, with 35 per cent ahead of normal stages of development. Crops are generally in good to fair condition in the region. Oats and peas are in the best condition, both with nine per cent rated as being in excellent condition. Canola and barley are in the poorest condition, with seven and six per cent respectively in poor condition.
Producers have made good progress with haying this past week. Forty-seven per sent of the first cut of hay has been baled or silaged, while 29 per cent is cut and 24 per cent is still standing. Hay is of good quality.
Crop damage this week is due to dry conditions, with reports of grasshoppers and cereal army worm being present. Producers are busy this week with spraying and haying.
