MOOSE JAW, Sask. – More rain is needed to help Saskatchewan crops. Rainfall last weekend helped with low moisture levels in some areas, but more is needed to help crops fill, according to the weekly crop report released Thursday.
Several areas received several inches of rainfall while other regions only had a trace amount of rain.
The precipitation somewhat helped alleviate topsoil moisture conditions in the province, which is now rated 55 per cent short or very short. Last week, topsoil moisture was rated 67 per cent short or very short.
Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is currently rated 67 per cent short or very short.
Livestock producers have 32 per cent of the hay crop cut and 38 per cent baled or put into silage, but there are still quality concerns. Many swaths are reported to be smaller than normal and pasture growth has been limited.
The Saskatchewan Agriculture Ministry has set up a listing service for producers to advertise and source feed products as there are concerns about a potential hay shortage.
READ MORE: Sask. conservation land being opened up for cattle grazing
Overall, 59 per cent of fall cereals, 62 per cent of spring wheat, 60 per cent of oilseeds and 58 per cent of pulse crops are at their normal stage of development for this time of year. Crop conditions vary throughout the province, with the majority in poor-to-good condition.
The lack of moisture and insects were the primary cause of crop damage in the past week.
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