Crops developing rapidly in Saskatchewan; some hail damage reported

Crops are developing rapidly in Saskatchewan, according to the latest weekly crop report, while the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA) is reporting some crop damage due to hail.

With optimal growing conditions in most areas, 51 per cent of fall cereals are now in the dough stage with 34 per cent of spring cereals at the heading stage.

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The majority of the canola, mustard and pulse crops are flowering, along with 20 per cent of the flax crop.

Crop topsoil moisture conditions are rated 85 per cent adequate and nine per cent surplus, while hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated 89 per cent adequate and three per cent surplus.

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Haying operations continue, with 18 per cent of the hay crop cut and 11 per cent baled or put into silage, with 12 per cent of the crop rated excellent and 72 per cent good.

High humidity and frequent rain showers have prevented hay from drying.

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Rain was reported in most growing areas over the past week, with localized flooding and strong winds damaging some crops.

Hail was reported in some areas, with the CCHA reporting the highest number of claims so far this year was for hail that occurred on June 29 and July 3.

CCHA officials say the full extent of losses from July storms has yet to be determined.

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The crop report also said there has been some crop damage due to disease and that with high humidity and wet conditions, many producers are applying fungicides to crops.

Storm dates and locations of significance for this period include (from CCHA):

• June 25: Kindersley, Eston, Luseland, Herschel, Foam Lake, Glenavon, Kamsack, Stornoway and Canora
• June 28: Beechy, Consul, Young, Watrous, Norquay and Yorkton June 29: Dinsmore, Elrose, Wilkie, Rosetown, Biggar, Landis, Cutknife, Swift Current, Viceroy, Assiniboia, Weyburn, Redvers, Carlyle and Alida
• July 1: Aylesbury, Craik, Hanley, Hawarden, Kenaston and Tessier
• July 3: Kindersley, Kerrobert, Eston, Elrose, Plenty, Marengo, Fiske, Wiseton, Dinsmore, Delmas, North Battleford, Outlook, Davidson, McLean, Qu’Appelle, Vibank and Balcarres
• July 4: Creelman, East End, Swift Current, Kenaston, Mankota, Aylesbury, Watrous and Neudorf