NORTH BATTLEFORD - Producers in the northwest are hoping for more rain to move through the region to help as the crops develop, according to the crop report for the period of July 11 to July 17. Areas that did receive rain this week are grateful for the moisture.
Scattered showers moved through the region this week. The Glaslyn area reported the most rain in the region, with 26 mm being received. A large decrease in soil moisture accompanied the heat this past week. For cropland, 31 per cent has adequate soil moisture, 57 per cent is short and 13 per cent is very short. Twenty-seven per cent of hay and pasture land acres have adequate topsoil moisture, 56 per cent are short and 18 per cent are very short.
Crops in the northwest are mainly in normal stages of development for this time of year. Spring cereals are the most advanced, with 41 per cent of the crop ahead of normal for this time of year. Oilseeds are the most behind, with three per cent behind normal for this time of year.
Producers in the northwest are making progress with haying. Twenty-seven per cent of the first cut of hay is still standing, 20 per cent is cut and 53 per cent has been baled or silaged. The hay is rated as being good quality. Producers are not anticipating a second cut this year. Hay yield estimates range from 0.8 (other tame hay or wild) to 1.6 (greenfeed) tons per acre. Silage yield estimates for the region are 4.0 tons per acre.
Crop damage this week is due to lack of moisture. Producers are busy haying and preparing for harvest.
