Frequent rainfall across Saskatchewan is causing crops in some regions to fall behind on development, according to the provincial crop report released Thursday morning.

Spring wheat and oilseed crops are furthest behind. Crops in the southwest are furthest advanced but crops in the northeast and southeast are falling behind. Crops Extension Specialist Meghan Rosso says producers need warm weather to help crop development.

Rainfall amounts varied around the province from very little in the southwest to heavy in the northeast and southeast regions. The St. Brieux area had the most rain recorded at 76 mm, followed by the Carnduff area at 70 mm, the Langenburg area 68 mm, and the Rosthern area 57 mm.

Excessive moisture is causing severe crop damage in some areas as water accumulates in the field and some areas “will remain unseeded and the areas that are seeded may not be able to recover from the current moisture stress”, says the crop report. It’s also contributing to leaf disease and root rot development, so producers will likely be applying fungicide in the coming weeks. Producers are also checking fields for hail damage, which has been reported as minor to severe, depending on the area. Frost, wind, flea beetles, and gophers are also factors in crop damage.

Despite all this, the majority of crops are rated in good condition.

Topsoil moisture conditions had little change week-over-week, although some regions noted a decrease this past week. Moisture for cropland is rated as eight per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate and nine per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at six per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is three per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and one per cent very short.

Producers are finishing up in-crop herbicide and insecticide applications where needed. Haying equipment is being prepared with some producers just starting their haying operations. Fence checking continues as cattle are out to pasture.

Pastures are reported in good condition overall. Livestock producers rate hay quality as 31 per cent excellent, 62 per cent good and seven per cent fair. Haying operations are just beginning in the province as the weather allows.

A region-by-region summary is below.

Southeast

Producers within the region are continuing with in-crop spray applications as the weather allows and monitoring for insect and disease pressure. Haying operations are just starting within the region. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week that caused damage from hail and strong winds. Producers are still assessing the extent of the crop damage and waiting to see which crops are able to recover.

Rain fell throughout much of the region with higher amounts recorded in the Carnduff area at 70 mm and the Langenburg area at 68 mm. The Weyburn area received 44 mm and the Strasbourg area received 34 mm. Areas within the far northwest part of the region reported reduced amounts of rainfall for the past week.

Topsoil moisture remains adequate for the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 10 per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and one per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at two per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and eight per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is two per cent surplus, 88 per cent adequate, nine per cent short and one per cent very short.

Rainfall has helped crops progress, but development overall continues to be slow due to the cooler temperatures. Most crops throughout the region have fallen further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is oilseed crops at 31 per cent behind the normal stages of development. Perennial forages are the furthest advanced in development at 21 per cent ahead the normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.

Pastures are reported in good condition and livestock producers are rating hay quality as 45 per cent excellent, 48 per cent good and seven per cent fair. Only one per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region.

Wind, excess moisture and hail caused crop damage in areas throughout the region with a few areas reporting severe damage. Some crops in low lying areas are showing signs of stress (yellowing) due to excess moisture. With the frequent rainfall producers continue to note the development of root rot and leaf disease in some crops. Frost was also reported but with minor overall crop damage. Gophers continue to cause crop damage with a few areas reporting moderate to severe damage with some re-seeding required in these areas. Producers report minor to moderate flea beetle damage with control measures being taken on later seeded canola.

Southwest

In-crop spray applications within the region continue as the weather allows and producers are monitoring for insect and disease pressure. Livestock producers are getting machinery ready with some haying operations just starting within the region. Isolated storms moved throughout the region this week causing overall minor damage to crops from hail and wind with a small area reporting moderate to severe damage within the region.

Rain fell in higher amounts on the east side of the region with the highest rainfall recorded in the Caronport area of 49 mm followed by the Mossbank area at 35 mm. The Admiral area received 17 mm and the Tyner area received 10 mm. Many areas of the region received less than 10 mm with some areas receiving no rainfall for the past week.

Topsoil moisture conditions fell within the region this week due to lack of rainfall in areas. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 79 per cent adequate and 21 per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 78 per cent adequate, 21 per cent short and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 69 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Crop development continues to be slow due to the cooler temperatures. The majority of the crops throughout the region have fallen slightly further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is oilseed crops at 20 per cent behind the normal stages of development. Perennial forages are the furthest advanced in development at 12 per cent ahead of the normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.

Pastures are reported in overall good condition but moisture will be needed within the region over the coming weeks. Livestock producers are rating hay quality as 42 per cent excellent, 54 per cent good and four per cent fair. Five per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut with three per cent baled or silaged within the region.

Crop damage was reported across the region for various reasons. Minor crop damage was reported from excess moisture received in some areas to lack of moisture received in others. Overall minor hail and wind damage was reported but a small area reported moderate to severe damage on the far east side of the region. Gophers continue to cause damage within the region with reports of areas that have severe damage and needed to be re-seeded. Grasshopper and flea beetles are causing minor to moderate crop damage with some areas reporting severe crop damage. Control measures are being taken when needed on a field-by-field basis. Producers continue to note the development of root rot and leaf disease in some crops throughout the region.

East-Central

Producers within the region are continuing with in-crop spray applications as the weather allows and monitoring for insect and disease pressure. Livestock producers are getting machinery ready with some haying operations just starting within the region. Fence checking continues as cattle are out to pasture. Severe storms moved through the northwest parts of the region this week causing overall minor damage to crops from hail and wind with a few localized areas reporting moderate to severe damage within the region.

Rain fell throughout much of the region with most areas reporting less then 15 mm for the week. Areas along the south portion of the region experienced higher rainfall amounts with the highest amounts recorded in the Ituna area at 50 mm followed by the Goodeve area at 43 mm.

Topsoil moisture remains in adequate condition for the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 20 per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate and six per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is eight per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate and 18 per cent short.

Crops are continuing to progress slowly due to the cooler temperatures and past rainfall received within the region. Crops throughout the region have fallen slightly further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is oilseed crops at 50 per cent behind the normal stages of development. Perennial forages are the furthest advanced in development at 15 per cent ahead the normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.

Producers report that pasture and hay crops are looking good within the region. Hay quality is rated as 24 per cent excellent, 68 per cent good and eight per cent fair. Two per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut with three per cent baled or silaged within the region.

Wind, excess moisture and hail caused minor to moderate crop damage in areas throughout the region. Some crops in low lying areas are showing signs of stress (yellowing) due to excess moisture and in some areas are unlikely to recover. With the frequent rainfall producers continue to note the development of leaf disease in some crops. Frost was also reported but with minor overall crop damage. Gophers and flea beetles continue to cause crop damage with a few areas reporting moderate to severe damage. Producers are taking control measures on later seeded canola in some areas for flea beetles as the slow crop development is not allowing the canola to outgrow the damage being caused.

West-Central

In-crop spray applications within the region continue as the weather allows and producers are monitoring for insect and disease pressure. Fence checking continues as cattle are out to pasture. Haying operations are just starting within the region with many producers getting machinery ready. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week and caused damage from hail and strong winds. Producers are still assessing the extent of damage to crops but overall are reporting minor to moderate crop damage with a few isolated areas reporting severe damage.

Rain was variable throughout the region over the past week with higher rainfall amounts reported in the southeast corner of the region. The Macrorie and Conquest areas reported the highest amounts for the region at 50 mm and 43 mm respectively. The Rosetown area reported 35 mm. The majority of other areas within the region reported below 10 mm for the week.

Topsoil moisture fell slightly within the region this week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 95 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at one per cent surplus, 93 per cent adequate and six per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is one per cent surplus, 92 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.

Crop development continues to be slow due to the cooler temperatures. Most crops throughout the region have fallen slightly further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is fall cereal crops at 46 per cent behind the normal stages of development and spring cereals and oilseeds which are both reported at 41 per cent behind. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.

Pastures are reported in good condition and livestock producers are rating hay quality as 21 per cent excellent, 72 per cent good and seven per cent fair. Only one per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region.

Excess moisture, frost and hail caused minor to moderate crop damage in areas throughout the region. Some crops in low lying areas are drowned out due to the excess moisture. Producers are hopeful that crops will be able to recover from the hail due to the delayed stages of development they are currently in. Minor crop damage due to wind was reported for the past week. Gophers, flea beetles and grasshoppers continue to cause minor to moderate crop damage with a few smaller areas reporting severe damage. Producers are continuing to monitor for crop disease with some fungicides being applied to slow current disease development.

Northeast

With seeding finishing within the region, producers note that some acres won’t be seeded this year due to the excess moisture. In-crop applications continue when the weather allows but the current moisture conditions are causing challenges with ruts being created in fields from equipment. Producers are monitoring for insect and disease pressure. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week that caused significant damage in some areas from hail and strong winds.

The amount of rain varied considerably throughout the region with some areas reporting significant amounts and other areas reporting less than 10 mm for the week. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the St. Brieux area at 76 mm followed by the Rosthern area at 57 mm and the Lake Lenore area at 42 mm.

Topsoil moisture remains adequate for the region with a slight reduction in the surplus amount. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 27 per cent surplus and 73 per cent adequate. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 19 per cent surplus and 81 per cent adequate. Pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent surplus and 83 per cent adequate.

Cooler temperatures and excess moisture continue to slow crop development throughout the region. Most crops are showing increases but are still falling behind their normal stages of development for this time of year. The furthest behind is oilseed crops at 51 per cent behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. This is followed closely by fall cereals at 45 per cent and spring cereals at 43 per cent behind their normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good to fair throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.

Livestock producers are rating hay quality as 46 per cent excellent, 51 per cent good and three per cent fair. Two per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region with one per cent baled or silaged currently.

Wind, excess moisture and hail caused crop damage in areas throughout the region with a few areas reporting severe damage. Crops in low lying areas are showing signs of stress (yellowing) due to excess moisture and in some areas are unlikely to recover. Some re-seeding has been done in previously drowned out areas of field. With the frequent rainfall producers continue to note the development of root rot and some producers are spraying fungicides to control the current leaf disease pressure. Frost was also reported but with minor overall crop damage. Minor to moderate flea beetle damage is being reported in the region with a few smaller areas showing severe damage.

Northwest

A few areas within the region note that the recent rain stopped any further seeding from happening. In-crop applications continue when the weather allows, and producers are monitoring for insect and disease pressure. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week and caused significant damage in some areas from hail and strong winds.

Rain fell throughout the region in varying amounts. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Prince Albert area at 38 mm followed by the North Battleford area at 34 mm. The Meadow Lake area recorded 26 mm. Areas on the west side of the region recorded less than 10 mm for the week.

Topsoil moisture remains adequate condition for the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate and two per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at six per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and four per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is six per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.

Crop development continues to be delayed due to cooler temperatures and excess moisture throughout the region. The majority of crops have fallen further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is fall cereal crops at 66 per cent behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. This is followed by annual forages at 54 per cent and oilseeds at 51 per cent behind their normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table

Livestock producers rate hay quality as 100 per cent good within the region. Two per cent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region currently.

Wind, excess moisture and hail caused crop damage in areas throughout the region with a few areas reporting severe damage. Producers indicate that the excess moisture has caused minor flowing in areas of fields that have standing water. With the frequent rainfall producers continue to note the development of root rot and some producers are spraying fungicides to control the current leaf disease pressure. Frost was also reported but with minor overall crop damage. Minor flea beetle damage is being reported in the region.