Favourable weather in the province this week meant substantial seeding progress in all regions. Eighty per cent of the crop is now seeded in Saskatchewan, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 78 per cent (2015-2019) for this time of year.
Crops have started to emerge in many areas of the province. The southwest is the farthest along, with 92 per cent of the crop seeded in the region. There is 84 per cent seeded in the southeast, 80 per cent seeded in the west-central, 75 per cent seeded in the northwest, 73 per cent seeded in the northeast and 69 per cent seeded in the east-central.
Many parts of the province received some rainfall this week, with the western regions receiving the most. The Cando area received the highest amount of rain this week with 100 mm. While rain delayed seeding for some farmers in the west-central and northwest regions, it was welcome to help support crop and pasture growth. Windy conditions throughout the province have continued to dry the topsoil, but rain showers helped maintain moisture conditions.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short and three per cent very short. Pasture conditions are rated as five per cent excellent, 52 per cent good, 33 per cent fair, nine per cent poor and one per cent very poor.
Earlier seeded crops have started to show good emergence, but cool overnight temperatures have slowed growth in some areas. Farmers are starting post-emergence weed control in earlier seeded fields that could not be sprayed previously due to the wind. In general, crops are in line with normal development stages for this time of year. Windy conditions in some areas have reduced topsoil moisture, resulting in delayed emergence of some oilseeds.
Most of the crop damage this week was due to strong winds, light frosts, limited moisture and flea beetles.
Farmers have been busy seeding, moving livestock to pasture, calving and spraying pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides.
Source : saskatchewan.ca