Haying continues in the province and livestock producers now have 42 per cent of the hay crop baled or put into silage, with an additional 49 per cent cut and ready for baling, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.
Rain showers and high humidity have delayed haying and decreased hay quality in some areas. Thirteen per cent is rated as excellent in quality, 77 per cent good, eight per cent fair and two per cent poor. Hay yields are slightly below the five-year average (2009-2013). The estimated average hay yields on dry land are reported as 1.3 tons per acre for alfalfa, 1.4 tons per acre for alfalfa/brome hay, 1.1 tons per acre for other tame hay, 0.9 tons per acre for wild hay and 1.7 tons per acre for greenfeed. On irrigated land, the estimated average hay yields are 1.9 tons per acre for alfalfa, 1.8 tons per acre for alfalfa/brome hay, 1.4 tons per acre for other tame hay and 2.3 tons per acre for wild hay and greenfeed.
Rain during the week ranged from trace amounts to 84 mm in the Nipawin area. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 10 per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and three per cent very short. Some areas in the south are drier than normal and will soon need moisture to help crops mature and fill.
Warm weather has helped advance many crops and the majority are in fair to excellent condition.
Storms moved through the province last week, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and hail. Other sources of crop damage include insects such as grasshoppers and wheat midge and diseases such as root rot and leaf spots.
Farmers are busy haying and controlling insects and crop disease.
Follow the 2014 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
