July 16, 2008

Canada's Saskatchewan receives much needed rain

Much needed precipitation fell across most regions of Saskatchewan during the past week, according to the latest crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture for the period ended July 13.

Fall cereal crops in the province were reported to be in 72 percent good-to-excellent condition, with 63 percent of the crop at the normal stage of development for this time of year, according to the report.

Spring cereals were 73 percent good-to-excellent, with 48 percent at normal development.

Oilseeds were 55 percent good-to-excellent, with 48 percent at normal development, while pulses were 67 percent good-to-excellent, with 57 percent at normal development.

Topsoil moisture conditions improved during the week, with crop reporters rating 76 percent of the crop land as having adequate topsoil moisture, from 48 percent the previous week.

About 23 percent of the crop land still had below adequate moisture, but this was down from 43 percent the previous week.

Moisture levels on hay and pasture land were 66 percent adequate, compared to 37 percent the previous week.