OUTLOOK - Producers in the west-central region are watching their crops ripen quickly, according to the crop report for the period of July 25 to 31. While lentil crops have been harvested this week, most producers anticipate they’ll begin harvest soon.
Some parts of the west-central region have received significant moisture; Smiley received 43 mm of rain this week while other parts of the region received as little as trace amounts.
The topsoil moisture in the region continues to be limiting. Ten per cent of cropland has adequate topsoil moisture, 49 per cent is short and 41 per cent is very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is more limited; four per cent has adequate moisture, 41 per cent is short and 55 per cent is very short. Rain is needed to replenish the soil for next year’s crop.
With the limited rain this summer, pasture conditions are less than ideal. Two per cent of pastures are in good condition, while 28 per cent are fair, 35 per cent are poor and 35 per cent are very poor.
Crop damage this past week was due to drought and grasshoppers. Producers are busy assessing crop yield and feed supply for this winter, preparing for harvest and desiccating pulse crops.
