By Alice McFarlane

Warm temperatures needed to push crop development

Jun 27, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Rain was certainly welcome at first but is turning into a problem for many producers.

Areas in the southwest region received no rainfall, while the northeast and southeast regions received significant amounts of moisture.

The St. Brieux area received the highest rainfall at 76 mm followed by the Carnduff area at 70 mm. The Langenburg area reported 68 mm and the Rosthern area reported 57 mm for the week.

The continued rainfall, cooler temperatures, and storms slowed crop development. Crops Extension Specialist Meghan Rosso said two crops in particular have fallen behind.

“Spring wheat and oilseed crops are still the furthest behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. Crops in the Southwest region are the furthest advanced, while crops in the central and northern regions are falling a bit further behind in development as compared to previous weeks,” she said. “Producers are looking for warmer temperatures which will help improve crop development progress throughout the province.”

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Heavy storms that brought wind, significant rainfall over a short period of time and hail resulting in damage to crops, buildings and machinery. Producers continue to assess crops for hail recovery which varies based on the type of crop and its developmental stage.

While crop conditions vary, most crops are rated as in good condition. Keith Fournier, who farms in the Lone Rock area, about 30 kilometres south of Lloydminster, agreed that the crop could use a lot more heat and sunshine.

“Crops are off to a good start and the moisture was very welcome. We had great germination and great crop establishment. The crops are looking good but they’re late,” Fournier said. “We just have been lacking some heat units. I would say we’re at least 10 days behind, but they will catch up if we get a normal summer.”

Producers continue to finish in-crop herbicide and insecticide applications where needed as the weather allows. In the coming weeks, producers will be planning fungicide applications given the persistent rainfall that is contributing to disease development.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW