Rapid seeding has progressed across the province this past week and is now at 30 per cent complete. Producers have focused on planting corn (60 per cent complete), cereals (58 per cent complete) and peas (72 per cent complete). Canola planting has just started with 6 per cent of the acres being planted. Producers are planting a variety of crops based on soil and weather conditions. Soil temperatures were adequately warm and the seeding of more sensitive crop types such as soybeans has begun. Soybean planting is at 15 per cent completion.
Weeds are quickly appearing in fields including kochia, volunteer canola and wheat, flixweed, fleabane, foxtail barley, redroot pigweed, lamb’s quarters, thistles, and dandelions. Growers are encouraged to scout and use burn-off products to control weeds and use PRE-emergent products with residual control.
Cereals
- Winter cereal fertilizer applications are complete with field survival at 85-95% and only a few fields terminated. Winter cereal stands were growing rapidly and tillering in the warm temperatures with fields greening up dramatically.
- Spring wheat and barley are sitting at 58 per cent complete across the province with the Central region being the most advanced at 80 per cent complete. Early planted fields have started to emerge.
- Grain corn planting is 60 per cent complete.
Oilseeds
- Canola planting is at 6 per cent completion across the province.
- Sunflower planting is at 13 per cent completion across the province.
Pulses and Soybeans
- Field pea planting is at 72 per cent completion across the province.
- Soybean planting is at 15 per cent completion across the province with the Central region at 30 per cent.
Forages and Livestock
Forages
Recent rains have helped stimulate pasture growth and the landscape is greening up nicely. Hay fields are in good shape, although icy conditions experienced this winter may have taken their toll on alfalfa plants in some locations. Those producers experiencing substantial winterkill are planting annual crops such as corn and sudan grass to offset the potential loss in feed production. Fertilization of hay and pasture acres is nearly complete.
Hay and feed supplies are normal, but there will be limited feed carryover. Pastures and alfalfa are quickly greening up and will make use of the current availability of moisture. Fertilization and manure applications of hay stands are continuing.
Livestock
Several beef cattle operations have made the move to pasture, particularly in the south-east corner of the province. Others located farther north, continue to hold animals in winter feeding areas or on sacrifice pastures to allow the grass more time for growth.
Pasture water supplies are being replenished with the recent rains and are now closer to average. Annual cereals and mixes for feed are seeded and beginning to emerge. Corn planning for silage is just starting. Pastures and hay land are greening up nicely, with dugouts at 95 per cent capacity.
Many producers have adequate feed to last their cattle until summer turnout but will have minimal to no carryover feed.
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