Roman Boed / CC

Additional rain is needed to help fill crop heads and pods over much of the province.

Saskatchewan Agriculture rates provincial topsoil moisture conditions as two percent surplus, 51 percent adequate, 35 percent short and 12 percent very short.

The start of harvest isn’t very far away in the driest areas where pulse and winter cereals are drying down. Some desiccation has started.

Crop conditions continue to be variable, ranging from fair to excellent, depending on summer rainfall.

The majority of crop damage over the past week is attributed to hot temperatures. There have also been reports of grasshoppers in the southwest, as well as root rot and leaf spot in eastern regions.

Livestock producers continue to make hay with an estimated 63 percent baled or made into silage. An additional 19 percent is cut and ready for baling.

Hay yields are significantly lower than normal for many producers. Supplies of hay will be short this winter in some some areas.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions on hay land and pastures are rated one percent surplus, 44 percent adequate, 35 percent short and 19 percent very short.

You can check out the detailed region-by-region crop report (including coloured maps) at the following link:
http://publications.gov.sk.ca/documents/20/107614-Crop%20Report%20July%2017%20to%2023,%202018%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.pdf