Saskatchewan Crop Conditions Up Sharply from a Year Ago

Better moisture conditions across much of the province have Saskatchewan crop conditions up sharply from a year earlier. 

The latest weekly crop report on Thursday said that although some crops continue to suffer from a lack of moisture and others are being downed out, many are in excellent condition. 

The spring wheat and durum crops were pegged at 74% and 58% good to excellent as of Monday, way up from 25% and 12% last year when widespread punishing drought was impacting the province. Oats and barley came in at 83% and 72% good to excellent, compared to 29% and 18% a year ago, while the canola crop was rated 50 points above a year earlier at 68% good to excellent. 

The lentil and chickpea crops were both rated 68% good to excellent, compared to 25% and 14% last year, while the condition of the pea crop was up 44 points to 71%. The canary seed crop was rated 68% good to excellent, versus 18% a year ago, and mustard was up 32 points to 39%. 

At 73% good to excellent, the condition of the flax crop was up 50 points on the year and soybeans were up 40 points to 84%. 

But while crop conditions are notably better, the report also said many crops are currently behind their normal stage of development due to excess moisture. Provincially, 64% of the fall cereals, 58% of the spring cereals, 51% of the oilseed crops, and 72% of the pulse crops are at their normal stages of development for this time of year, it said. 

There was scattered rain and thunderstorms throughout much of the province this past week, with multiple areas receiving hail. Rainfall this past week ranged from nil to 89 mm in the Bienfait area. 

Topsoil moisture has remained relatively stable compared to last week. Cropland topsoil moisture was rated as 4% surplus, 69% adequate, 23% short and 4% very poor as of Monday.