By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan crops shrivel in the heat

Jul 15, 2021 | 2:24 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — The weather continues to push crops to their limit with continued hot and dry weather and minimal rainfall this week.

Crops extension specialist Matt Struthers said the conditions are causing crops to rapidly advance through their developmental stages. Without a significant rainfall, many crops will have their yields and quality severely impacted.

“The hot dry weather is forcing those crops to abandon hope of making it to the end of the season and they’re just trying to ripen and set seed as quickly as possible,” Struthers said. “I’ve heard of barley fields that aren’t even knee high and they’re starting to head out.”

Currently, 36 per cent of fall cereals, 29 per cent of spring cereals, 25 per cent of oilseed crops and 30 per cent of pulse crops are ahead of their normal stages of development for this time of year.

Struthers said the majority of crops this week are in poor to good condition.

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“The heat affects quality and the bottom line for many farmers,” he said.

The soil moisture levels continue to decline with 14 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 45 per cent very poor.

Hay and pastureland is rated as nine per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and 55 per cent very short.

There was some rain reported last week with up to 64 millimeters in the Foam Lake area. The Odessa, Mossbank, and Humboldt areas received 32 millimeters, Radville and Rockglen areas has 29 millimeters and the Avonlea area received 22 millimeters.

Livestock producers now have 26 per cent of the hay crop cut while 39 per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 48 per cent good, 33 per cent fair and 15 per cent poor.

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is doubling the Low Yield Appraisal threshold values for customers who salvage their cereal or pulse crops as feed. This will not impact future individual coverage. Customers are asked to contact their local SCIC office before they graze, bale or silage any damaged crops to discuss their options.

There may be grass available in ditches along the province’s highways. Producers have been able to harvest any unclaimed hay since July 8 without seeking permission of the adjacent landowner.

In the southern and central regions, hay in the ditches along secondary and rural highways is available on a first-come basis.

In the northern grain belt, contractors will start mowing ditches and rights of way on July 15.

Struthers said the Farm Stress Line is available for support 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW