BATTLEFORDS - Crops that received rain are managing to hold on, but crops that did not receive much needed rain are rapidly drying down, according to the crop report for the period of July 18 to 24. Some producers are noticing that pods and heads are not filling and without rain soon, the crops in the dry areas of the region will experience drops in their yield potential. Some report that if the heat continues, they will need a inch of rain a week to get their crop to harvest.
Haying has been progressing well in the region and livestock producers currently have 81 per cent of the hay baled or put into silage. An additional 12 per cent is cut and ready for baling. Hay quality is currently rated as 67 per cent good and 33 per cent fair. Livestock producers are hoping for a large precipitation event in order to make a second cut of hay in September.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 32 per cent adequate, 53 per cent short and 16 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land is rated as 15 per cent adequate, 55 per cent short and 30 per cent very short.
Most of the crop damage this past week was due to heat stress, grasshoppers and drought. Producers are beginning to apply desiccants and get their harvest equipment ready.
