With very little recent rainfall and a long stretch of hot temperatures, crops are rapidly advancing across the province, said the Saskatchewan weekly crop report released on Thursday.
Across the province, 27% of fall cereals were in the dough maturity stage while 40% of spring cereals were in the heading stage. Sixty percent of canola and mustard were flowering and 38% of pulse crops were in the podding stage, as of July 5.
The continued lack of moisture combined with hot temperatures last week caused significant damage to many crops. Yield potential and crop quality will be impacted in many regions. Crops are stunted, thin, yellowing in colour and are prematurely drying down in many areas of the province, due to the heat stress and lack of moisture. Significant rainfall is needed soon to allow crops to properly fill and avoid irreparable crop damage, commented the government’s report.
Topsoil moisture levels across the province have continued to deteriorate due to the extended period of hot, dry and windy weather. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as 0% surplus, 18% adequate, 51% short and 31% very short. Hay and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 0% surplus, 13% adequate, 44% short and 43% very short.