EAST CENTRAL — Seeding of the 2019 crop is nearing completion, with the majority of the crop being planted this month.
Ninety-two per cent of the crop was seeded between May 21 and 27, up from 73 per cent the previous week and well ahead of the five-year average (2014-18) of 83 per cent for this time of year.
Northeastern Saskatchewan
The northeastern region has made tremendous seeding progress two weeks in a row. Ninety per cent of the crop is now in the ground, up from 62 per cent last week and well-ahead of the five-year (2014-18) average of 72 per cent for this time of year. The majority of the crop in the region will be seeded in May as most producers have indicated they are wrapping up or finished seeding operations.
Varying amounts of rainfall were reported last week, ranging from trace amounts to seven millimetres in the Garrick area. The Tisdale area reported four millimetres of rain, the Vonda area 3.4 millimetres , the Birch Hills area 3.1 millimetres and 1.5 millimetres in the Arborfield area. The Hudson Bay area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (45 millimetres).
Topsoil moisture conditions have continued to deteriorate due to strong winds and warm temperatures. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 56 per cent adequate, 36 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 59 per cent adequate, 29 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Producers have reported that moisture is welcomed to help with germination of shallow seeded crops and pasture growth. Pasture conditions are rated as 32 per cent good, 45 per cent fair, 20 per cent poor and three per cent very poor
Overall, crops are normal to behind in their developmental stage for this time of the year. Emergence has been delayed in many areas by cool weather and lack of moisture. The majority of crop damage this past week was caused by lack of moisture, frost, flea beetles and cutworms.
Farmers are busy seeding and controlling weeds.
East Central Saskatchewan
Seeding progress continues to quickly advance in the region as 91 per cent of the crop is now seeded, significantly up from 68 per cent last week. This remains well ahead of the five-year (2014-18) average of 78 per cent for this time of year. Some producers have finished seeding in the area with others expect to be done within the next week.
The majority of the region did not receive significant rainfall last week, with most areas reporting no rain to 6 mm south of the Humboldt area. The Allan Rocanville areas reported four millimetres , three millimetres in the Yorkton and Elfros areas, two millimetres in the Kelliher area and five millimetres in the Meacham area. The Esterhazy area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (37 millimetres).
Topsoil moisture conditions continue to worsen due to the strong winds and lack of moisture. Significant rainfall is needed across the region to help crops germinate and pastures grow. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 23 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 29 per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 16 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 49 per cent very short. Crop District 6A is reporting that 60 per cent of cropland and 73 per cent of hay land and pasture is very short topsoil moisture at this time. Pasture conditions are rated as nine per cent good, 17 per cent fair, 41 per cent poor and 33 per cent very poor
Crop emergence has been slow due to the cool conditions and lack of moisture; this has also caused the majority of crops to be behind in their normal developmental stages. The majority of crop damage this past week was caused by frost, dry conditions, strong winds and flea beetles have also caused damage in some areas.
Farmers are busy seeding, controlling weeds and moving cattle to pasture.
The crop report is provided each week by the Government of Saskatchewan
