Haying continues in the province. Livestock producers now have 54 per cent of the hay crop baled or put into silage, with an additional 18 per cent cut and ready for baling, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report.
In Southeastern Saskatchewan, haying continues in the region and 61 per cent of the hay crop has been baled or put into silage. An additional 17 per cent is cut and ready for baling. Hay quality at this time is rated as 65 per cent good, 30 per cent fair and five per cent poor. Yields are well-below average and many producers are hoping for timely rains so that a second cut may be possible.
Much of the region received rainfall this past week that has helped alleviate moisture stress in many areas. The Tantallon area received the greatest amount of rainfall for the week (48 mm), bringing its total received since April 1 to 196 mm.
Topsoil moisture conditions have improved thanks to the recent rain. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as one per cent surplus, 53 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 34 per cent adequate, 57 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Crop District 3ASE is reporting that 40 per cent of cropland, hay land and pasture remain very short topsoil moisture at this time.
Many crops are ripening quickly in the region and some producers have indicated that they will begin desiccating pulses and combining winter cereals in the coming weeks. There are reports of crops being sprayed for grasshoppers and aphids, although damage is minimal in many areas. The majority of crop damage this week was caused by wind, hail, insects and lack of moisture.
Farmers are busy cutting hay and readying harvest equipment.
