Crop report for July 15 to 21, 2025

- Media Release, Gov’t SK

July 24, 2025

key points from this story:

• Rainfall improves moisture in many regions
• Topsoil moisture largely adequate overall
• Crop development returning to normal pace
• Haying delayed but near completion
• Some damage from pests and flooding
• Producers preparing equipment for harvest season

The rain that fell through wide parts of the province over the weekend was a positive sign for many producers. However, even within regions that received the rain the impact on crop and pasture conditions was variable. In some areas, the rain came just in time to carry crops forward through flowering and grain fill, while in other areas the rain came too late to make a difference to crops or pastures.

For areas that received precipitation, producers are hopeful pasture grass recovers from grazing and stress from dry conditions. In areas where heavy rain was received, livestock water sources should see some replenishment, reducing the need to haul water for livestock.

The cooler weather and recent rainfall have helped sustain or improve topsoil moisture in the province. Topsoil moisture is highly variable region to region, but most regions have seen an increase in ratings after the recent rainfall. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two percent surplus, 71 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and five per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Lastly, pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 59 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.

The rain, along with the cool weather, will give crops a break from the lack of moisture they have been under and will help them fill. The Eston area reported the most rain this week with 83 millimetres (mm), followed by the Bethune area with 74 mm, and finally the Admiral area reported 68 mm. There were many areas that reported rainfall from 15 mm to 50 mm, while other areas saw rainfall ranging from 2 mm to 15 mm.

Crop development has leveled out closer to normal for the province, and crops should use the recent rain and cooler temperatures to develop at a regular pace rather than rush or delay development due to stress. Crop development varies from region to region, with drier areas showing the most accelerated crop development.

The rain impeded haying operations over the weekend as producers waited for the crop to dry before proceeding with baling. Haying operations are almost complete with 20 per cent standing, 21 per cent cut and 59 per cent baled or put up as silage. Hay quality is rated as nine per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 31 per cent fair and five per cent poor.

Producers report their crops are still showing damage and stress from the numerous weeks of heat and overly dry conditions this growing season. Gophers and grasshoppers are causing minor to moderate damage to crops this week with some areas seeing higher damage depending on pest populations. With the large amounts of rainfall seen in some areas, flooding was a concern for some producers as low spots in their fields have filled with water. The rain and strong winds have led to cereal crops lodging across many regions, and producers are hopeful the damage is minor and their crops can recover in time for harvest.

Producers whose crops are furthest along are beginning to get their equipment ready. The Ministry of Agriculture reminds producers to operate safely during the pressures of harvest time. Please remember to use every precaution available for fire prevention as the extremely dry conditions increase the risk of combine and grass fires.

Over the upcoming weeks, producers will be busy finishing fungicide spraying, haying and getting equipment ready for harvest. Producers are reminded to keep safety top of mind while working.