Saskatchewan crop report: hot weather speeds development but stresses dry‑area fields

A provincial crop report released in late July notes that unusually hot and humid conditions accelerated development for many crops in Saskatchewan's wetter northern and eastern regions. Canola crops are largely in good condition and have moved into podding, while about two‑thirds of pulse crops are rated good to excellent.

The same heat has reduced soil moisture across the province, creating stress in the drier southern and western areas. Topsoil moisture for cropland is 5 % surplus, 67 % adequate, 27 % short and 1 % very short; hayland moisture is 4 % surplus, 64 % adequate, 31 % short and 1 % very short; pasture moisture is 2 % surplus, 58 % adequate, 36 % short and 4 % very short. The report calls for additional rain to help seed fill and pod development in the south‑west, while the drier conditions have aided field work such as fungicide spraying and haying, with 50 % of the first hay cut already baled or silaged. Crop specialist Tyce Masich also warned of emerging pest pressure from bertha armyworms that may require treatment next month.