Unsettled Crop Conditions in Saskatchewan

REGINA - Jul 17/14 - SNS -- The change to warm and dry conditions across much of Saskatchewan has helped crops in many areas catch up to normal development, but the overall conditions of crops in the province is down slightly from two weeks ago, judging from Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly Crop Report.

Recent warm weather has helped many crops recover from flooding stress, but some areas continue to deal with excess moisture, the provincial agriculture department stressed. The majority of crops are in fair to excellent condition, but many are behind normal developmental stages. Half of the fall cereals, 57% of the spring cereals and 61% of the oilseeds are behind normal stages of development, while 54% of pulses are at normal stages of development for this time of year.

Topsoil moisture conditions continue to improve in many areas, although other areas will soon need moisture to help crops advance. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 17% surplus, 73% adequate and 10% short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 13% surplus, 74% adequate, 11% short and two% very short.

Localized flooding, hail and wind have caused the most crop damage this past week. Many producers are reporting damage from cutworms, wheat midge and grasshoppers and from diseases such as leaf spots and root rots.