Saskatchewan's Pulse Crop Slides Backward

REGINA - Jul 3/14 - SNS -- Saskatchewan's crop is sliding backwards, with a the percentage of pulses developing slower than normal jumping from 59% to 55% and the amount of crop at a normal stage of development dropping from 51% to 44%.

The problem is cool and wet weather. The situation in Saskatchewan shifted from the abstract to the real after parts of southeast Saskatchewan got more than 240 millimeters of rain over the weekend, and parts of western Manitoba received 100 mm. Without doubt, this will have an impact on crops in those areas. Crops in the worst hit areas could drown, while the cool and damp soil conditions could promote plant diseases, resulting in potential losses of quality and yield.

Looking at the overall situation, Saskatchewan Agriculture said the week started with 49% of the fall cereals, 61% of the spring cereals, 66% of the oilseeds and 55% of the pulse crops behind their normal developmental stages.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 48% surplus and 52% adequate. Hay land and pasture moisture conditions are rated as 36% surplus, 62% adequate and 2% short. Warm and dry weather is needed to help alleviate excess moisture.

The majority of crops outside the areas affected by flooding are in fair to excellent condition. Excess moisture, localized flooding, wind and diseases such as root rot and leaf spots have caused the majority of crop damage this week.

      Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Development
                 (per cent)
                 Behind     Normal      Ahead
Southeast            82         18          0
Southwest            44         56          0
East Central         52         48          0
West Central         45         53          2
Northeast            50         50          0
Northwest            59         41          0
All                  49         51          0
SOURCE: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food