WEYBURN - Crops and haying are progressing quickly in the southeast, according to the crop report for the period of July 11 to 17. Pockets of rain moved through the southeast this week, with the highest in the region, 28 mm being reported in the Pense area. The warm weather seen throughout the region this week led to a decrease in soil moisture. Cropland topsoil moisture is 19 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is 12 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 46 per cent very short.
Crops are continuing to develop at mostly normal rates for this time of year. Pulse crops are the most ahead in development for this time of year, with 22 per cent of the crop ahead of normal. Oilseeds are the furthest behind in development, with 19 per cent of the crops behind normal stages of development for this time of year.
Haying is nearing completion, with 69 per cent of the first cut of hay baled or silaged in the southeast, 14 per cent is still standing and 17 per cent is cut. The hay is of good quality and producers are not anticipating a second cut of hay for the year. Depending on the type of hay, yields are estimated to be between 1.8 (greenfeed) and 1.1 (wild) tons per acre. Silage yields overall are estimated to be 5.3 tons/acre.
Crop damage this week is due to dry conditions and grasshoppers in the area. Producers are busy finishing haying, scouting their fields and preparing for harvest.
