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DTN Staff

OMAHA (DTN) -- Last week's crop reports from Alberta and Saskatchewan showed the hot, dry conditions took a toll on crops. While early this week is starting with some chances for cooler, wetter weather in the Prairies, as DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said last week, "the damage has likely been done. After a month of hot conditions and stress, much of the crop has reached or is reaching maturity. The relief that is coming is too late for any of the crop that was planted early or even on-time. Small portions of the crop that were planted late will be able to take advantage, and some of the longer-season corn and soybean crops in the east may benefit from easier conditions."

See Baranick's blog and forecast for this week at https://www.dtnpf.com/….

The following are Albert and Saskatchewan's crop reports from late last week.

The following are highlights from Alberta's weekly crop progress report for conditions as of July 30, released Aug. 2, from the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation in partnership with the Alberta Crop Reporting Program.

The Alberta government's weekly report stated all regions continue to report crops in variable conditions as a result of hot and dry conditions through July, with the greatest concern being noted in areas with the lowest soil moisture reserves. If the dry conditions continue, expectations are that the crop will use the remaining soil moisture to fill existing seeds rather than developing new seeds.

While parts of the North East, North West, and Peace regions received meaningful rainfall last week, the remainder of the province is hoping for additional rainfall to be confident that crops will yield as expected. Most regions are currently expecting an average crop yield.

As for the provincial early yield estimates, regional dryland crop yield estimates are at or below the 5- and 10-year averages, with the exception of a higher-than-average yield expectation reported for the South Region. The provincial dryland 5-year yield index is estimated to be 105.1, and the 10-year yield index to be 100.2 for major crops. This indicates that the current provincial crop yield estimate is 5.1% above the 5-year average and 0.2% higher than the 10-year average. Irrigated yield estimates are only provided for the South Region. Irrigated crop yield estimates are also above the 5-year and 10-year averages, resulting in a provincial irrigated 5-year yield index of 103.1 and 10-year yield index of 105.1 for major crops. This indicates that yields of irrigated major crops are 3.1% above the 5-year average and 5.1% over the 10-year average.

The hot and dry weather during the past month is encouraging crops to mature faster than average. Provincial spring cereal staging reports indicate that the majority of crops are in the mid stages of milk development, compared to the 5- and 10-year averages of being in early milk development during this week. Similarly, canola (dry peas) is progressing at 81 (98)% podding, ahead of the 5-year average of 48 (82)% and 10-year average of 53 (83)%. Provincially, 51% of all crops are rated in good-to-excellent condition, in comparison to the 5-year average of 56% and 10- year average of 59%. The South Region has the highest proportion of crops rated as good-to-excellent condition at 70%, followed by the North East Region reporting at 58%, the Peace at 54%, the North West at 30%, and the Central Region at 27%. Overall, the provincial condition of all crops has decreased by 23% compared to the report on July 16.

While notable rains fell in areas of the North East, North West, and Peace regions during the past week, only the Peace Region noted an improvement in soil moisture ratings. Provincial surface moisture is rated 33% good to excellent, a 2% reduction from last week, while sub-surface moisture is rated at 27% good to excellent due to a 4% reduction. Regionally, the percent of surface (sub-surface) soil moisture rated as good to excellent is 35 (27) in the South, 30 (13) in Central, 34 (34) in the North East, 17 (19) in the North West and 50 (55) in the Peace.

Pasture conditions continue to decline this week as the hot and dry weather has limited regrowth. Provincial pasture growth is rated 41% good to excellent, a decrease of 7% from the previous week and below both the 5- year average of 49% and the 10-year average of 50%. Provincial tame hay good to excellent ratings have also declined to 36% good to excellent, down from last week's 43%. This is also below the 5- and 10-year average of 55% good to excellent.

Breaking down by region:

Region One: South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)

-- Crops rated in good-to-excellent condition are 69% for major crops and 70% for all crops.

-- The early estimated yields are 50 bushels per acre (bpa) for durum wheat, 50 bpa for spring triticale, 23 bpa for lentils, 21 bpa for chickpeas and 28 bpa for mustard.

-- Dryland first cut hay is 98% complete with a yield of 1.5 tons per acre and irrigated first cut is 99% complete with a yield of 2.6 tons per acre. Irrigated hay second cut is reported to be 12% completed with a yield of 2.2 tons per acre.

-- Soil sub-surface moisture is described as limited with a reported 22% as poor, 51% as fair, 27% as good, zero as excellent and zero as excessive.

Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)

-- Major crops and all crops combined are rated as 25 and 27% good to excellent, respectively.

-- Early estimated yields are 30 bpa for durum wheat, 54 bpa for spring triticale, 23 bushels per acre for lentils, 23 bpa for chickpeas, and 22 bpa for mustard.

-- Dryland hay first cut is 93% complete yielding 1.5 tons per acre, while those who are able to make a second cut are 6% complete with a yield of 1.0 ton per acre.

-- Limited rains during the last week had negligible impact on sub-surface moisture, which is rated as 53% poor, 34% fair, 12% good, 1% excellent and zero excessive.

Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)

-- The proportion of crops rated as in good-to-excellent condition is 58% for both major crops and all crops.

-- First-cut dryland hay is reported as 95% complete with a 1.6 tons per acre yield. Those who are taking a second cut are 1% complete with a 1-ton-per-acre yield.

-- Areas of the region reported significant rains, resulting in regional sub-surface moisture reported as 22% poor, 44% fair, 33% good, 1% excellent and zero excessive.

Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)

-- Crops reported as in good-to-excellent condition are 30% for both major crops and all crops.

-- First-cut dryland hay is reported as 98% complete with a 1.5-ton-per-acre yield. Second cut dryland hay is 1% complete with a yield of 2.0 tons per acre.

-- Regional showers were welcomed over the last week and sub-surface moisture is reported as 26% poor, 55% fair, 18% good, 1% excellent and zero excessive.

Region Five: Peace (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)

-- Good-to-excellent rated crop is reported as at 54% for both major crops and all crops.

-- Dryland hay first cut is 95% complete with a yield of 1.3 tons per acre. Those taking a second cut are 11% complete with yields of 1.0 tons per acre.

-- Regional sub-surface moisture is reported as 2% poor, 43% fair, 49% good, 6% excellent and zero excessive.

**

OMAHA (DTN) -- The following are highlights from the weekly crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture for the period July 23-29. The report was released Aug. 1.

According to Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report, the continued heat and lack of moisture has accelerated crop advancement throughout the province. With the current conditions crops throughout many regions are stressed, causing yield potential to further decline this week. Producers are hoping for moisture to help with head and pod filling on later seeded crops but for many advanced crops, any moisture received would have little impact on yield at this stage. Additionally, it is unlikely that a second cut of hay will be possible in most areas of the province due to the lack of moisture.

In the southern parts of the province, pulses are being desiccated with many just starting to be harvested. Cereals are also being harvested for feed in the southern region. Producers indicate there will likely be an increase in the amount of cereal crops that are harvested for feed given the concerns over yield potential under the current conditions. Many other areas of the province are preparing for harvest operations as the hot and dry conditions continue to quickly ripen crops.

High temperatures and lack of moisture persisted this week with many areas across the province receiving only trace amounts of rainfall or none at all. The highest rainfall recorded fell in the Hafford area at 15 mm, followed by the St. Walburg area at 14 mm. The Aneroid area received 11 mm over the past week.

Topsoil moisture continued to decline this week. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 41% adequate, 49% short and 10% very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 40% adequate, 49% short and 11% very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 37% adequate, 47% short and 16% very short.

Pastures are starting to be affected by the lack of rainfall. Currently, 4% of pastures are rated as excellent condition, 37% good, 42% fair, 15% poor and 2% as very poor condition.

Lack of moisture, heat, lodging due to wind, grasshoppers and aphids continued to take a toll on crops over the past week. If producers are taking control measures for pests, they are reminded to read product labels and follow pre-harvest intervals as crops are quickly advancing throughout the province.

As producers prepare for harvest, they are reminded to take safety precautions and preventative fire measures when they can. The Farm Stress Line is available to provide support to producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

The following are the results by district:

SOUTHEASTERN SASKATCHEWAN (CROP DISTRICT 1 -- CARNDUFF, ESTEVAN, REDVERS, MOOSOMIN AND KIPLING AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 2 -- WEYBURN, MILESTONE, MOOSE JAW, REGINA AND QU'APPELLE AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 3ASE -- RADVILLE AND LAKE ALMA AREAS)

Many producers in the region are preparing harvest equipment and desiccating pulse crops. A few producers are just starting to harvest earlier seeded pulses along with cereals that are being harvested for feed. Haying is nearing completion with no second cut anticipated due to the lack of moisture.

Minimal rain was received over the past week with 2 millimeters (mm) being the most recorded in the Esterhazy and Tantallon areas, while the rest of the region received no rainfall.

With the persistent dry and hot conditions, topsoil moisture continues to decline. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 34% adequate, 57% short and 9% very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 28% adequate, 62% short and 10% very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 25% adequate, 57% short and 18% very short.

Pasture conditions are declining within the region with the continued lack of moisture and high temperatures. Currently, 30% of pastures are rated as good, 44% fair, 21% poor and 5% very poor.

Heat and lack of moisture have been the main causes of crop damage during the past week but producers indicate that gophers, grasshoppers and aphids are still persisting. Wind has also caused lodging in some crops throughout the region, but overall minor damage was reported.

SOUTHWESTERN SASKATCHEWAN (CROP DISTRICT 3ASW -- CORONACH, ASSINIBOIA AND OGEMA AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 3AN -- GRAVELBOURG, MOSSBANK, MORTLACH AND CENTRAL BUTTE AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 3B -- KYLE, SWIFT CURRENT, SHAUNAVON AND PONTEIX AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 4 -- CONSUL, MAPLE CREEK AND LEADER AREAS)

Producers in the region are preparing harvest equipment and desiccating pulse crops. A few producers have already started to harvest pulses along with an increased number of cereals that are being harvested for feed. Haying is nearing completion with no second cut anticipated due to the lack of moisture.

Rainfall was variable within the region; the Aneroid area received the highest amount at 11 mm. The Webb area received 9 mm and the Gouldtown area received 8 mm. Most of other areas within the region received smaller amounts to no rainfall over the past week.

Topsoil moisture continues to decline with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 13% adequate, 49% short and 38% very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 13% adequate, 53% short and 34% very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is nine% adequate, 37% short and 54% very short.

Pastures are being impacted within the region by the continued lack of moisture and high temperatures. Currently, 13% of pastures are rated as good condition, 49% are fair, 29% are poor and 9% are in very poor condition.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to the lack of moisture and heat. Wind has also caused lodging in some crops throughout the region, but overall minor damage was reported. Grasshoppers, gophers and aphids continue to be an issue within the region with varying levels of crop damage indicated.

EAST-CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN (CROP DISTRICT 5 -- MELVILLE, YORKTON, CUPAR, KAMSACK, FOAM LAKE, PREECEVILLE AND KELVINGTON AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 6A -- LUMSDEN, CRAIK, WATROUS AND CLAVET AREAS)

With the higher temperatures and drier conditions accelerating crop advancement, producers are preparing harvest equipment. Limited amounts of harvest have started within the region. Haying operations continue but producers indicate that a second cut is unlikely due to the lack of moisture.

Minimal rain was received over the past week with 5 mm being the most recorded in the Stalwart area. The Ituna area received 3 mm and the Hyas and Yorkton areas received 2 mm. The majority of the region received no rainfall over the past week.

Topsoil moisture continues to decrease with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 49% adequate, 48% short and 3% very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 58% adequate, 40% short and 2% very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 46% adequate, 52% short and 2% very short.

The continued lack of moisture and high temperatures are impacting pastures within the region. Currently, 10% of pastures are rated as in excellent condition, 45% good, 39% fair and 6% are in poor condition.

Heat and lack of moisture are the main causes of crop damage over the past week. Wind has also caused lodging in some crops throughout the region with up to moderate damage reported. Moderate damage has also been reported from aphids in a few areas within the region. Grasshoppers and gophers continue to be reported but with overall minor crop damage occurring.

WEST-CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN (CROP DISTRICTS 6B -- HANLEY, OUTLOOK, LOREBURN, SASKATOON AND ARELEE AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 7A -- ROSETOWN, KINDERSLEY, ESTON, MAJOR; CD 7B -- KERROBERT, MACKLIN, WILKIE AND BIGGAR AREAS)

Producers in the region are preparing harvest equipment with some pulse desiccation occurring. Overall, limited harvest progress was reported for the region but there are a few reports of early seeded cereals being harvested over the past week. Haying operations continue but producers indicate that a second cut is unlikely due to the lack of moisture.

Minimal rain was received over the past week with 8 mm being the most recorded in the Macrorie area followed by 4 mm in the Conquest area. Most of the region received smaller amounts to no rainfall over the past week.

Topsoil moisture continues to decline with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 44% adequate, 51% short and 5% very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 45% adequate, 47% short and 8% very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 40% adequate, 49% short and 11% very short.

Pastures are being impacted within the region by the continued lack of moisture and high temperatures. Currently, 5% of pastures are rated as in excellent condition, 44% are good, 45% are fair and 6% are in poor condition.

Heat and lack of moisture are the main causes of crop damage over the past week. Wind has also caused lodging in some crops throughout the region with up to moderate damage reported. Moderate damage has also been reported from grasshoppers and aphids in areas within the region. Gophers continue to be reported, but with overall minor crop damage occurring.

NORTHEASTERN SASKATCHEWAN (CROP DISTRICT 8 -- HUDSON BAY, TISDALE, MELFORT, CARROT RIVER, HUMBOLDT, KINISTINO, CUDWORTH AND ABERDEEN AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 9AE -- PRINCE ALBERT, CHOICELAND AND PADDOCKWOOD AREAS)

With the higher temperatures and drier conditions accelerating crop advancement, producers are preparing harvest equipment. No harvest activity has been reported for the region. Haying operations continue but producers indicate that a second cut is unlikely due to the lack of moisture.

Minimal rain was received over the past week with 5 mm being the most recorded in the Nipawin area. The Carrot River, Hague and Duck Lake areas all received 3 mm. The majority of the region received smaller amounts to no rainfall over the past week.

Topsoil moisture continues to decrease with the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 55% adequate, 44% short and 1% very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 55% adequate, 44% short and 1% very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 54% adequate, 45% short and 1% very short.

The continued lack of moisture and high temperatures are impacting pastures within the region. Currently, 5% of pastures are rated as in excellent condition, 43% are good, 42% are fair and 10% are in poor condition.

Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to the lack of moisture and heat. Wind has also caused lodging in some crops throughout the region, but overall minor damage was reported. Moderate damage has also been reported from aphids in a few areas within the region.

NORTHWESTERN SASKATCHEWAN (CROP DISTRICT 9AW -- SHELLBROOK, NORTH BATTLEFORD, BIG RIVER AND HAFFORD AREAS; CROP DISTRICT 9B -- MEADOW LAKE, TURTLEFORD, PIERCELAND, MAIDSTONE AND LLOYDMINSTER AREAS)

With the higher temperatures and drier conditions accelerating crop advancement, producers are preparing harvest equipment. No harvest activity has been reported for the region. Haying is nearing completion with no second cut anticipated due to the lack of moisture.

Rainfall was variable within the region with the Hafford area receiving the highest amount at 15 mm. The St. Walburg area received 14 mm followed by the North Battleford area at 9 mm. Most other areas within the region received rain but in smaller amounts over the past week.

Topsoil moisture continues to be impacted by the persistent hot and dry conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 50% adequate, 43% short and 7% very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 41% adequate, 50% short and 9% very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 51% adequate, 39% short and 10% very short.

Pastures are being impacted within the region by the continued lack of moisture and high temperatures. Currently, 2% of pastures are rated as in excellent condition, 47% good, 32% fair and 19% poor condition.

Heat and lack of moisture are the main causes of crop damage over the past week. Wind has also caused lodging in some crops throughout the region with up to moderate damage reported. Grasshopper and aphid damage were reported in a few areas within the region over the past week but overall with minor crop damage occurring.

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