REGINA - Jun 21/18 - SNS -- Most of the pulse crops growing in Saskatchewan are at their normal stage of development for the third week of June, according to the provincial agriculture department, but 20% is behind normal development.
Rain shower activity was reported across much of the province during the past week, with the result topsoil moisture conditions are now rated 4% surplus, 67% adequate, 24% short and 5% very short. Topsoil moisture is in shortest supply in the southwest.
Spotty rain showers were reported in the region during the past week, with most of those areas recording less than 5 mm of precipitation. Rain is needed in much of the region to sustain crop and pasture growth.
Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Development (per cent) Behind Normal Ahead Southeast 22 69 9 Southwest 24 72 4 East Central 19 80 1 West Central 14 85 1 Northeast 7 73 20 Northwest 14 79 7 All 20 75 5 SOURCE: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Crops in some areas are stressed and showing the affects of dry conditions. Concerns remain that current soil moisture levels will not be enough to support a crop if rain does not come soon. Some hay fields have prematurely headed-out.
The problem is opposite in southeastern Saskatchewan, with some fields still flooded from heavy rains two weeks ago. Topsoil moisture in the region is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate and 21 per cent short.
Crops are looking good in East-Central Saskatchewan:. Timely rains have resulted in good growth. Fields are starting to dry up in those areas (Esterhazy and Lampman) that received heavy rains over the past couple of weeks, allowing producers to continue weed control operations.
Rain was reported throughout most of West-Central Saskatchewan during the past week. But they missed the areas that need moisture the most. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 72% adequate, 23% short and 5% very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 59 per cent adequate.
Crops are looking good in northern Saskatchewan, but parts of the northwest could use rain.
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