According to the provincial Crop Report for the week of June 17th to 24th for the southeast region, the recent storms have had quite an impact on the development and condition of the crops.

Producers within the region are continuing with in-crop spray applications as the weather allows and monitoring for insect and disease pressure. Haying operations are just starting within the region. A severe storm moved throughout the region over the past week that caused damage from hail and strong winds. Producers are still assessing the extent of the crop damage and waiting to see which crops are able to recover.

Rain fell throughout much of the region with higher amounts recorded in the Carnduff area at 70 mm and the Langenburg area at 68 mm. The Weyburn area received 44 mm and the Strasbourg area received 34 mm. Areas within the far northwest part of the region reported reduced amounts of rainfall for the past week.

Topsoil moisture remains adequate for the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 10 percent surplus, 81 percent adequate, eight percent short, and one percent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at two percent surplus, 90 percent adequate and eight percent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is two percent surplus, 88 percent adequate, nine percent short, and one percent very short.

Rainfall has helped crops progress, but development overall continues to be slow due to the cooler temperatures. Most crops throughout the region have fallen further behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. The furthest behind is oilseed crops at 31 percent behind the normal stages of development. Perennial forages are the furthest advanced in development at 21 percent ahead of the normal stages of development. Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region. A full summary of individual crop conditions for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.

Pastures are reported in good condition and livestock producers are rating hay quality as 45 percent excellent, 48 percent good, and seven percent fair. Only one percent of the hay crop is reported as cut in the region.

Wind, excess moisture, and hail caused crop damage in areas throughout the region with a few areas reporting severe damage. Some crops in low-lying areas are showing signs of stress (yellowing) due to excess moisture. With the frequent rainfall producers continue to note the development of root rot and leaf disease in some crops. Frost was also reported but with minor overall crop damage. Gophers continue to cause crop damage with a few areas reporting moderate to severe damage with some re-seeding required in these areas. Producers report minor to moderate flea beetle damage with control measures being taken on later-seeded canola.

Source: Province of Saskatchewan