Early yields of peas, lentils and winter wheat range from average to well below average.

“A lot of that has to do with field and moisture conditions specific producers have had,” says Allie Noble, a crops extension specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

The weekly crop report says three percent has been combined in southern areas. The rest of the province is at one percent or less.

Most crops remain in fair condition, but limited rain and hotter temperatures are having a negative impact on potential yields.

Provincial topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 42 percent adequate, 40 percent short and 18 percent very short.

There were also reports of hail damage to crops in the Leader and Cabri areas in the southwest.

Hay yields in many southern and central areas are below average, which will lead to a tight supply situation for cattle producers this winter.

Estimated average dryland hay yields for the province are: 1.1 tons per acre for alfalfa and alfalfa/bromegrass; 0.9 ton per acre for other tame hay; 1.0 ton per acre for wild hay and 1.6 tons per acre for greenfeed.

Not surprisingly, the numbers are much better on irrigated land. Those estimates are 2.8 tons per acre for alfalfa; 2.7 tons per acre for alfalfa/bromegrass; 2.2 tons per acres for other tame hay; 2.0 tons per acre for wild hay and 3.3 tons per acre for greenfeed.

The provincial topsoil moisture ratings for hay land and pastures is 32 percent adequate, 41 percent short and 27 percent very short.

You can check out the detailed region-by-region crop report below:

SOUTHEAST
Crop District 1 -Carnduff, Estevan, Redvers, Moosomin and Kipling areas;
Crop District 2 Weyburn, Milestone, Moose Jaw, Regina and Qu Appelle areas;
Crop District 3ASE Radville, Minton and Lake Alma areas

Harvest is underway in the region. Three per cent of the crop is combined and four per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. The five-year (2013-2017) average for this time of year is one per cent combined. Twenty-two per cent of the fall rye, 13 per cent of the winter wheat, 20 per cent of the lentils and 14 per cent of the field peas are now in the bin, while two per cent of the canola has been swathed.

Scattered showers were reported throughout the region. The Kisbey area received 9 mm, the Glenavon area 11 mm, the Weyburn area 17 mm and the Moose Jaw area 54 mm. The Lampman area maintains the record (398 mm) for rain in both the region and the province since April 1. Many areas are still very dry, causing crops to advance quickly. More rainfall will help to replenish topsoil moisture for next year, but will be too late to help fill this year s crops.

Topsoil moisture conditions have worsened since last week due to hot weather. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 29 per cent adequate, 59 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 22 per cent adequate, 58 percent short and 20 per cent very short. Crop District 3ASE is reporting that 65 per cent of the cropland and 83 per cent of the hay land and pasture are short or very short of topsoil moisture at this time.

Reported crop yields range from average to well-below average, but the quality is good, so far. The majority of crop damage this past week was due to lack of moisture, high temperatures and strong winds. There were some areas that received severe hail and flooding. Haying is wrapping up and yields are lower than normal.

Producers are busy desiccating pulse crops, combining and hauling bales.

SOUTHWEST

Crop District 3ASW Coronach, Assiniboia and Ogema areas; Crop District 3AN Gravelbourg, Mossbank, Mortlach and Central Butte areas;
Crop District 3B Kyle, Swift Current , Shaunavon and Ponteix areas;
Crop District 4 Consul, Maple Creek and Leader areas

Harvest is under way in the region. Three per cent of the crop is combined and four per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut. The five-year (2012-2016) average for this time of year is two per cent combined. Eighty-two per cent of the fall rye, 36 per cent of the winter wheat, 19 per cent of the field peas and five per cent of the lentils are now in the bin. One per cent of the canola has been swathed.

Several areas received scattered thunderstorms this week, which caused some hail damage. The Shaunovan area received 5 mm of rain, the Mortlach area 38 mm, the Success area 21 mm and the Cabri area 40 mm. The Vanguard area has received the most rainfall (193 mm) in the area since April 1. Many areas could use moisture to improve topsoil conditions and reduce fire risks.

Topsoil remains short of moisture, due to high temperatures. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 16 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 40 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as ten per cent adequate, 40 percent short and 50 per cent very short.

Reported crop yields range from average to well-below average, but the quality is good, so far. Strong winds, high temperatures and lack of moisture were the main causes of crop damage this past week. There have been reports of crop damage from severe hail in some areas. Haying is wrapping up and yields remain significantly lower than normal.

Producers are busy desiccating pulse crops, combining and hauling bales.

EAST-CENTRAL

Crop District 5 Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas;
Crop District 6A Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas

Crops have been maturing rapidly, due to the high temperatures, with some producers beginning harvest. Two per cent of peas have been combined, with many other fields ready to straight-cut. Other early maturing crops will soon be ready to harvest, given the hot temperatures expected this upcoming week. Most crops remain in good condition, although they have been affected by lack of moisture and hot temperatures. Yields are expected to be average overall; however, there will likely be some crops in drier areas that will yield much less than expected.

Scattered showers occurred throughout the region this week. The Humboldt area reported 40 mm of rain, the Pelly area 50 mm, the Rose Valley area 33 mm and the Meacham area 16 mm. The Langenburg area has received the most precipitation (390 mm) in the region since April 1. A significant rain is needed to help fill later-seeded crops and replenish topsoil moisture.

The scattered showers did little to help topsoil moisture conditions across the region. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 44 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 18 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 31 per cent adequate, 45 percent short and 24 per cent very short.

Most crop damage this past week is attributed to strong winds, lack of moisture and high temperatures. The Hot weather expected this coming week will likely decrease yields. Haying is wrapping up and yields are lower than normal.

Producers are busy getting ready for harvest, hauling bales and desiccating fields.

WEST-CENTRAL

Crop Districts 6B Hanley, Outlook, Loreburn, Saskatoon and Arelee areas;
Crop District 7A Rosetown, Kindersley, Eston, Major;
Crop District 7B – Kerrobert, Macklin, Wilkie and Biggar areas

Crops continue to rapidly dry down and many producers expect to be in the field within the next week. Desiccation of pulse crops is in full swing. The majority of crops remain in good condition, although they have been affected by the lack of moisture and high temperatures. Yields are expected to be average to below-average overall.

The region received some scattered showers and storms this past week. Parts of the region saw hail and flooding. The Dinsmore area received 20 mm of rain, the Rosthern area 35 mm, the Marengo area 42 mm and the Smiley area 29 mm. The Saskatoon area has received the most precipitation (317 mm) in the region since April 1. Additional moisture is needed to help replenish topsoil moisture, but any rainfall now will come too late for crops, as they have already been affected by lack of moisture and heat stress.

Topsoil moisture conditions have improved slightly with the scattered showers. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 51 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 14 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 44 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 21 per cent very short.

Most crop damage this past week was due to wind, lack of moisture and high temperatures. There were some reports of hail causing crop damage. Haying is mostly complete, with yields much lower than normal.

Producers are busy desiccating pulses, hauling bales and beginning combining.

NORTHEAST

Crop District 8 Hudson Bay, Tisdale, Melfort, Carrot River, Humboldt, Kinistino, Cudworth and Aberdeen areas;
Crop District 9AE Prince Albert, Choiceland and Paddockwood areas

Crops are rapidly advancing in the area and have benefited from this week s scattered showers. Most crops are in good to excellent condition, but some have been affected by the lack of moisture and high temperatures. Yields are expected to be average overall, with some areas expecting above-average yields.

Scattered showers brought some much-needed moisture along with hail. The Garrick area received 13 mm of rain, the Nipawin area 27 mm, the Tisdale area 30 mm, the Lake Lenore area 32 mm and the Melfort area 37 mm. The Arborfield area has received the most precipitation (316 mm) in the region since April 1.

Topsoil moisture conditions have slightly improved since last week. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 86 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 91 per cent adequate and nine per cent short.

Most crop damage last week was attributed hail and strong winds. Hail storms were localized and varied in severity. Most producers are finishing haying, with yields being average to less than average overall.

Producers are busy hauling bales, preparing for harvest and desiccating fields.

NORTHWEST

Crop District 9AW Shellbrook, North Battleford, Big River and Hafford areas;
Crop District 9B Meadow Lake, Turtleford, Pierceland, Maidstone and Lloydminster areas

Recent warm and dry weather has caused crops to mature rapidly, with many producers expecting to be in the field earlier than normal. Crops remain in relatively good condition, with many in excellent shape. Producers are expecting average to above-average crops, depending on moisture and field conditions.

Weather varied widely this week, with some regions receiving trace amounts of rainfall and others getting hail and severe thunderstorms. The Speers area received 16 mm of rain, the Mayfair area 24 mm, the Neilburg area 15 mm and the Meadow Lake area 58 mm. The St. Walburg area has received the most precipitation (357 mm) in the region since April 1.

Recent hot weather has worsened topsoil moisture conditions in the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 69 per cent adequate and 30 per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and one per cent very short.

The majority of crop damage this past week was due to lack of moisture and high temperatures. There was also some hail damage reported throughout the region. Haying is wrapping up for most producers, with yields ranging from average to below average.

Producers are busy getting ready for harvest, desiccating fields, and cutting greenfeed.