A Saskatchewan heat wave is leading to the province’s crops “progressing rapidly,” according to the latest crop report.
The provincial government said in its release Thursday that winter cereals are already starting to ripen, while earlier-seeded crops are maturing at a fast pace.
So much so that farmers are reporting they’re almost ready to begin the 2020 harvest.
The crop report for July 21-27 shows the majority of crops in fair or good condition. But spring cereals, canola, field peas and soybeans are rated in fair-to-excellent condition across Saskatchewan.
With less rain in the past week, moisture levels decreased across much of the province. Still, about 71 per cent of cropland topsoil is rated at adequate moisture with 22 per cent rated short and five per cent very short.
The Indian Head area received the most rain over the crop report period with about 50 mm of precipitation. The St. Walburg region leads in rainfall since April 1 with a total of 415 mm.
Hay yields are considered below normal so far, especially in areas that haven’t seen as much rain.