Significant rain in east central Sask. leads to flooding and some damage to crops

Some parts of Saskatchewan saw over 140 millimetres of rain, leading to crop damage.

Significant rain and hail in parts of the province have led to flooding and damage to crops.

According to the most recent crop report covering the period of June 23 to 29, some areas in east central Saskatchewan received more than 140 millimetres of rain.

The cool and wet weather has slowed development of some crops, with some producers finding it difficult to complete spraying and haying operations. However, most crops are developing near a normal rate.

Three-quarters of fall cereal crops and perennial forages are rated at normal development, the report said, with the remainder behind normal development.

For pulse crops and annual forages, two-thirds are considered normal. For oilseed and spring cereal crops, around half are at normal stages of development.

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Crop conditions also vary across the province, with two-thirds of fall and spring cereal crops in good condition. For pulse crops, two-thirds are in good condition, with most oilseed crops also in good to excellent condition.

Across the province, 36 per cent of cropland topsoil moisture is considered surplus, with only one per cent considered short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 25 per cent surplus, with three per cent short, while pasture topsoil moisture is 17 per cent surplus, with three per cent considered short.

None of the hay crops in Saskatchewan have been cut, baled or silage yet, as producers are now hoping for warmer and drier weather to do that work.

Wet conditions in the province have affected in-crop herbicide applications, so producers will look to do that as soon as possible.

In addition to flooding, gophers, wind and flea beetle activity have also caused some minor damage.

The full crop report can be found here.