Some crops in Sask. in excellent condition: Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture says some crops in Saskatchewan are in excellent condition as many farmers prepare to take off a better crop than they had in 2021.

In the weekly crop report, the ministry said “a break in the extreme heat and some timely rains” have helped crops develop nicely in the province. Most crops are rated as fair to good, while others are rated as excellent.

However, the report noted areas in west-central Saskatchewan that remain dry are seeing crops go backwards in development and condition.

In the areas that have been getting rain, the report said some farmers are expecting a better crop compared to last year, when a drought hit many areas of the province.

“Some grain producers in the southwest and west-central regions have begun desiccating some of their pulse crops to get them ready for combining as the heat and dry conditions have shortened the growing season,” the report said.

Topsoil moisture dropped during the week, primarily in western areas of the province. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 63 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and six per cent very short, while hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is considered two per cent surplus, 62 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and 10 per cent very short.

Haying operations are now at 24 per cent standing, 24 per cent cut and 52 per cent baled or silage, with hay rated as 19 per cent excellent, 62 per cent good, 18 per cent fair and one per cent poor.

The report said some producers have been able to replenish the feed stocks that were depleted significantly over the past year, while others are worried about being short on feed for their herds as winter approaches.