Heat has accelerated the ripening and maturation of all crops across the province and some producers have begun harvesting.

The prolonged drought conditions have rapidly deteriorated crop conditions and a majority of crops are rated as poor to fair. All crops are well ahead of their normal developmental stages for this time of year and many are ripe enough to begin harvest.

The estimated yields for many crops across the province is expected to be well below average. Any rain now won’t increase yields but would have a positive effect next year.

Rainfall this past week varied throughout the province, ranging from none in many areas to 55 mm in areas around Indian Head and Neilburg. The Lumsden area received 33 mm, the Langenburg area 30 mm and the Saltcoats area 24 mm.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent adequate, 38 per cent short and 58 per cent very short.

Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent adequate, 27 per cent short and 71 per cent very short.

Haying continues throughout the province with few rainfall delays this past week. Livestock producers now have 15 per cent of hay crop cut and 75 per cent baled or put into silage. Many producers across the province have finished their haying operations. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 40 per cent good, 34 per cent fair and 22 per cent poor.

Many farmers have indicated that hay yields are below normal this year, particularly in areas that received less rainfall in early summer and a second cut is extremely unlikely.