BATTLEFORDS - Storms that moved through the northwest a few weeks ago have kept soil moisture high compared to the rest of the province, according to the crop report for the period of July 4 to 10. Producers in the northwest are hoping for some additional rains to help maintain moisture levels and prevent the crops from regressing.
The most rain recorded was four mm in the Medstead region. Topsoil moisture diminished this week compared to last week. In cropland, 50 per cent of topsoil has adequate moisture, 37 per cent is short and 13 per cent is very short. In hay and pasture land, 36 per cent has adequate topsoil moisture, 47 per cent is short and 18 per cent is very short.
Crops in the northwest are mainly at normal stages of development for this time of year. Crop conditions range between excellent to fair. Fall rye is in the best condition, with 93 per cent of the crop in good condition and seven per cent in excellent condition. Barley crops are in the worst condition, with 10 per cent of the crop in poor condition.
Producers were delayed in haying progress last week but are now over halfway through the first cut of hay for the year. Currently, 46 per cent of the first cut of hay is still standing, 35 per cent has been cut and 19 per cent has been baled or silaged. Hay is generally rated good to fair quality.
Crop damage this week is due to grasshoppers and hot conditions. Many producers are hoping for rain soon. Producers are busy haying, scouting crops and spraying for grasshoppers.
