Spring planting ahead of average in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Very little seeding remains with all three Prairie provinces very close to wrapping up. Farmers are looking for a good general rainfall to encourage crop development.

Manitoba

Another productive week with Manitoba farmers planting 95 per cent of the crop, and many farmers will be wrapping up over the next week.

Manitoba Agriculture cereal crops specialist Ann Kirk said there was minimal precipitation with isolated rainfall events in the eastern region.

“Areas of that did receive rainfall on Monday would expect to see enhanced weed growth just because that little bit of moisture will stimulate some weed activity.” Kirk said. “There has been some spraying in corn, soybeans and some early seeded cereals for weeds so we expect herbicide applications will become more widespread this week.”

Kirk said many crops are approaching the right stage for herbicide application, but windy days have delayed application.

Saskatchewan

Seeding is 97 per cent complete in Saskatchewan, up from 88 per cent last week.

Seeding is complete or nearly complete for field peas, spring wheat, durum, barley, triticale, canola, lentils, mustard, flax and oats.