YORKTON - Warm temperatures ensured producers had an uninterrupted week of haying and crop development, according to the crop report for the period of July 11 to 17. Soil moisture reserves from this past spring have run out in the east-central region and producers are hoping for rain in the area soon.
Little precipitation was received in the region this past week. Semans reported the most rain, with 10 mm. Soil moisture diminished in the east-central region this week and cropland topsoil moisture is now 15 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short and 29 per cent very short. Thirteen per cent of hay and pasture land has adequate topsoil moisture, 52 per cent is short and 33 per cent is very short.
Crops are generally at normal stages of development for this time of year. Spring cereals are the most ahead of normal stages of development, at 11 per cent. Fall cereals are the most behind normal stages of development, with 16 per cent behind.
Producers are making swift progress with haying in the region. Sixty-eight per cent of the first cut has been baled or silaged, while 19 per cent is cut and only 13 per cent is still standing. The hay is of excellent to fair quality, with the majority being good quality. Producers are not anticipating a second cut. Hay yield estimates range between 0.8 (wild) to 1.4 (brome/alfalfa) tons per acre and silage yields are estimated at 3.9 tons per acre.
Crop damage this week is due to dry conditions and grasshoppers. Producers are busy finishing haying and scouting their fields.
