NORTH BATTLEFORD - Crops are advancing in the region thanks to recent rainfall, but heat will be needed soon for them to catch up to their normal developmental stages for this time of year. While parts of the region are reporting very dry conditions, other areas are under water from frequent, localized heavy rains. Overall crops remain in good condition but will need better weather in order to further develop.
Rainfall in the region ranged from small amounts to 47 mm in the Spiritwood area. The Turtleford area 31 mm of rain, the St. Walburg area 30 mm, the North Battleford and Meadow Lake areas 23 mm, the Lloydminster area 22 mm and the Pierceland area 14 mm, the Hafford area reported 10 mm of rain and the Speers area eight mm.
Topsoil moisture conditions have improved overall. Cropland topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 21 per cent surplus, 66 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent surplus, 66 per cent adequate and 12 per cent short. Crop District 9B is reporting that 31 per cent of the cropland and 29 per cent of the hay land and pasture has surplus topsoil moisture at this time.
Haying is underway in the region as five per cent of the hay crop has now been cut and less than one per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is currently rated as eight per cent surplus, 75 per cent good and 17 per cent fair. Livestock producers are hopeful that the weather will improve and they will be able to get back out there soon.
Pasture conditions are currently rated as 15 per cent excellent, 62 per cent good, 21 per cent fair and two per cent poor.
Most crop damage this past week was due to localized flooding, hail and wind. Pests such as grasshoppers continue to cause damage in many fields and producers are busy controlling them. With the wet field conditions, some producers have opted for aerial spraying by plane or helicopter to avoid getting stuck in ruts.
