The latest Saskatchewan crop report says there was general rain across the grainbelt this week but more will be needed in some areas.

Provincial crops extension specialist Matt Struthers says some eastern areas had localized flooding but western regions will need more moisture.

He says areas with the highest rainfall include Spiritwood with 86 millimeters, Broadview 76 millimeters, Lipton 70 millimeters and Kerrobert with 31 millimeters.

Struthers says crop development has been slow and some parched fields in the southwest are showing early signs of drought stress.

Topsoil moisture is rated nine percent surplus, 67 percent adequate, 20 percent short and four percent very short.

The main causes of crop loss this past week was from heat, drying winds, drought, insects, gophers, flooding and hail.

Gophers have become a serious problem in many rural municipalities across the province, with some farmers losing large portions of their fields.
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