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Seeding remains ahead of schedule and crops are developing at their normal stages for this time of year, says the weekly provincial crop report.
Progress is now 88 per cent complete across the province, ahead of the five-year average of 82 per cent and the 10-year average of 85 per cent. The southwest is almost done at 95 per cent, followed closely by the west-central region at 94 per cent, the northwest at 93 per cent and the northeast at 92 per cent. Producers in the east-central and southeast regions are the furthest behind, with the east-central at 81 per cent complete and the southeast at 80 per cent, as the rainfall — while variable around the province — fell mostly in the southeast region.
The Weyburn area recorded 66 millimetres of rain this past week, while the Griffin and Indian Head areas received 20 mm, and the Browning area 18 mm.
The report says warm and windy conditions dropped topsoil moisture levels slightly. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is four per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate and 27 per cent short. Hay land moisture is two per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate and 31 per cent short. Moisture for pasture land is one per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and two per cent very short.
Kim Stonehouse, a crops extension specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture in Tisdale, noted all regions experienced a slight drop in topsoil moisture, with the west-central and northeast regions taking "the biggest hit."
"The northeast, for example, has dropped to about 31 per cent adequate while 59 per cent of their topsoil moisture is short. West-central is about half-and-half — half is adequate and half is short, but like I said all regions dropped back a little bit this week," Stonehouse added.
Crop development is normal overall, according to most producers who reported on conditions. Fall cereals are currently rated at 89 per cent normal development for this time of year, with seven per cent ahead and four per cent behind normal. Spring cereals are estimated to be 73 per cent normal, with 13 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Pulse crops are rated at 76 per cent normal development, with 10 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Oilseeds are at 73 per cent normal, with seven per cent ahead and 20 per cent behind. Perennial forage is 79 per cent normal, with six per cent ahead and 15 per cent behind. Annual forage is indicated at 77 per cent normal crop development, while 10 per cent is ahead and 13 per cent behind.
"There are some regions such as the northeast and northwest that are reporting that some crops are ahead of normal and this is likely due to a couple of things; number one, the uninterrupted or very limited interrupted seeding process as well as dry conditions which will be pushing the crop to develop much quicker than it normally would," said Stonehouse.
Seeding of field peas and lentils is almost done at 98 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. Chickpeas are at 91 per cent seeded, while soybeans are only at 48 per cent. Triticale is the furthest ahead among cereal crops at 94 per cent. Durum and spring wheat are both at 93 per cent, barley at 89 per cent, oats at 79 per cent, and canary seed at 75 per cent. For oilseeds, mustard is 92 per cent seeded, followed by canola at 83 per cent and flax at 73 per cent. Perennial forages are at 55 per cent complete.
The report noted minor crop damage due to heat, wind and dry conditions, as well as flooding and frost. Flea beetle, wireworm and cutworm activity has been noted, with some producers taking control measures. Some regions have observed grasshoppers hatching, but current reports of crop damage are few, the report adds.
Farmers anticipate wrapping up seeding within the next week, weather permitting, and continue to spray and land roll. Livestock producers are also moving cattle to pasture.
Stonehouse also reminds producers to be careful when working with equipment during warmer days and to have a fire extinguisher or water truck close by in the event a fire breaks out.
The Farm Stress Line is available to farmers toll-free at 1-800-667-4442.
The crop report by region can be found at the link below.
ages for this time of year, says the weekly provincial crop report.
