A second consecutive hot, dry week is worrying producers about their crops, as yield potential was likely lowered by extreme heat during critical flowering stages between July 16 and July 22nd.

That from Meghan Rosso, Crops Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. She says the heat has moved crops from being in previously widespread ‘good’ condition, to most crops rating as ‘fair to good’ this week.

“The lowest rated crops are coming out of the Southwest, West Central, and parts of the Southeast where conditions are drier. If the heat persists, crops will continue to decline, and yield potential is likely to fall. The continued heat wave has pushed crop conditions to deteriorate quickly, but overall producers are reporting that conditions are better now compared to this time during recent growing seasons.”

Rosso says a lack of precipitation also sent topsoil moisture backwards.

“Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated at 50 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short, and 10 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is rated as 45 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short, and 13 per cent very short. As we look to pasture topsoil moisture, it is currently rated as 36 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short, and 19 per cent very short.”

Producers are hopeful they will receive rain soon to aid with seed filling, as harvest is on the way throughout many regions. Early seeded pulses and cereals are closest to being harvest-ready according to several reports.

She adds that the dry, hot weather has helped crops progress into normal stages of development from this time of year.

In addition, haying operations well on their way to wrapping up across the province.

“Haying operations are almost complete across the province with 18 per cent standing, 27 per cent cut and 55 per cent baled or put up as silage. Hay quality is rated at 25 per cent excellent, 65 per cent good, 9 per cent fair and 1 per cent poor. A second cut of hay is unlikely in most regions unless a substantial amount of rain is received soon to allow for adequate regrowth.”

Other than intense heat, other crop-damaging factors from last week included grasshoppers, gophers, aphids.